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Annals of Newington. 



Roger Welles. 



EAKLY ANNALS 



^ 



NEWINGTON, ' 



COMPRISING 



THE FIKST RECORDS OF THE NEHINGTON ECCLESIASTICAL SOCIETY, AND OP 

THE CONiatEGATIONAL CHORCU CONNECTED THEREWITH; WITH 

DOCUMENTS AND PAPERS RELATING TO THE EARLY 

HISTORY OF THE PARISH. 



TR^NSCKIBED j^ND EDlTEr) 



ROGER WELLES, 

CLERK OF THE SOCIETY A.VD CHURCH. 




HARTFORD: 
PRESS OF THE CASE, LOCKWOOD & BUAINARD CO. 

1874. 



NOTE 



The original manuscripts and records, which are transcribed and 
presented in the following pages, are written in the ancient style of 
writing and spelling, which renders them almost, if not quite, illegible 
to all eyes unused to read them. They are also fast peri-hing by 
reason of age and decay. It is fit that they should live, and in an 
accessible form yield up any treasures of historical and genealogical 
interest that they may contain. It is hoped that they may piove 
valuable for reference to individuals and families, and as a contribution 
towards a history of Newington. The aim has been to let them, so 
far as possible, tell in their own quaint language the story of the past, 
connecting and explaining them with only needed words of comment. 
The preservation of the records of a society, church, or any public 
body is a matter of such common concernment, that it might very 
fittingly be undertaken by the authority and at the expense of such 
body. In this case, however, the interest felt in the subject by three 
persons has dictated the present publication. Martin Robbins, Esq., 
and Henry M. Robbins, Esq., of Newington, have furnished the 
means for carrying the work through the press, while my part has 
been to select, transcribe, and arrange the materials. Most of the 
documents quoted have been copied from the originals in the state 
archives now in the office of Mr. Charles J. Hoadly, the state libra- 
rian, who has very kindly given rue his assistance in consulting them. 

. . •" R. WELLES. 

Newington, March 30, 1874. 



EARLY ANNALS 



NEWINGTON. 

FIRST PERIOD,— 1700-1726. 

Wethersfield is the most ancient town in the Common- 
wealth of Connecticut. It was first settled about the year 
1634, and called Watertown. Within twenty years after 
that time, the General Court of the Colony adopted a code 
of laws for.'the Colony, since called the " Code of 1650." 
This body of laws required among otlier things that all towns 
should set out their bounds and perambulate them every three 
years, and that ■^' The most ancient town, which for the river 
is determined by the Court to be Wethersfield," should give 
notice of such perambulation. 

This oiScial enactment, made by men highest in authority 
in the Colony, who were themselves probably among the first 
settlers of these towns, and knew whereof they spalce, ought 
to settle the question tliat Wethersfield is the pioneer town. 
This provision of the law was retained in the printed revision 
of 1672»-3 and in that of 1702, and was not omitted till the 
revision of 1750, one hundred years after it was originally 
passed (Conn. Col. Rec. 1636-1665, page 513, and note). 
The original domain of the town was ample. It extended 
from Hartford south, six miles to Middletown, and east from 
the river three miles, and west from the river six miles to 
Farmington. From its teri'itory have been incorporated the 
town of Glastonbury, a portion of the town of Berlin, and 
the towns of Rocky Hill and Newington. The first settled 
towns were divided into tiers of land or plantations called 
divisions of lands. There were such divisions in Wethers- 
field. How early in its history they were made, might pos- 
sibly be disclosed by its ancient records. There was such a 
division of lands on its western border, running from Hart- 
ford, south to Middletown six miles, and from Farmington 



east, about two miles and fifty rods, called "the west division" 
of lands.* It began to be settled probably about 1700. In the 
year 1708 its inhabitants had so increased iu its fruitful 
valleys, that the spirit of liberty arose in their hearts, and 
they desired to break the ministerial tie that bound them to 
their brothers located at the other side of the town. They 
accordingly petitioned the town of Wethersfield to be allowed 
to be a distinct parish, as appears by the following vote, passed 
at a town meeting held December 20, 1708. 

" Whereas tlie inhabitants on the west part of tliis town do 
petition to be a distinct parisli, tlie town thinlc it meet to 
refer tlie consideration thereof to the next town meeting, and 
for tliat purpose choose Mr. Stephen Mix, Lieut. James Treat, 
Capt. Joshua Robbins, and John Chester, a committee to con- 
sider of what may be proper to offer concerning s'aid petition 
of the west inhabitants, and make report thereof at the next 
meeting." 

This committee did not apparently '' consider" the matter 
very attentively. At all events the result of tlie next meet- 
ing was to postpone the subject for another year, as appears 
by the following vote. 

" At a town meeting lield in Weathersfield on the 14th 
day of December, 1709. Tiiis town do continue the power of 
the committee chosen in December, 1708, for the considering 
of the petition of the west inhabitants, and to consider a suit- 
alile place for the setting a meeting house on, and to make 
return of their thoughts to the town meeting the next oppor- 
tunity." 

It is probable that tlie committee were still slow to grant 
tlie prayer of tlie petition, and that they did not favor the 
formation of a new parish, and the consequent release of the 
west farmers from paying ministerial charges to the Weth- 
ersfield parisli, then under the pastoral care of Rev. Stephen 
Mix, tlie chairman of the committee. Undoubtedly the com- 
mittee reported the plan of compromise which received the 
sanction of the town, and is embodied in the following record. 

» This division of lands contained apparently four tiers of lots, called " East 
Tier," " Short Lots," " Sawmill Lots," and " Fifty Two Acre Lots." Some ot 
the large land-owners, ahout 1720, were the Chester family, who held about w.2 
acres, of which 400 acres belonged to Major Chester and were by hmi cntailea, 
298 acres belonged to Capt. Wells' sons, 127 to Capt. Kobbnis, about 109 to 
Ensign liobbins, about 104 to Mr. Mix,— also Governour baltonstall Jonathan 
Demm.'of Rocky Hill, and Thomas Wright each owned a " Fifty-two Acre Lot. 



" At a town meeting holdcn in Wethersficld on the Istli 
day of December, Anno Domini, 1710. 

Our brethren dwelling towards the west end of this town, 
viz. Ezekiel Buclc, senior, and the rest hereunto subscribing, 
desiring lilierty to be a distinct assembly for the public wor- 
ship of God, because of their being remote from the place of 
public worship in this town. In answer to their petition, the 
proprietors, inhabitants of the town of Wethersfield, return 
as foUoweth, viz. That they being many of them newly 
planted and settled where they now live, we can't see how 
they can ho)iorably, and without apparent straightening them- 
selves to that degree as shall overbalance the toil of attend- 
ing the public worship where it is now carried on, set up and 
support the puljlic worship of God amongst themselves : and 
that therefore the proprietors, inhabitants of this town, do 
consent and vote, as far as it is with them so to do, that the 
said petitioners, and any that shall inhabit within half a 
mile of any of their houses, shall have liberty of assembling 
separately from the rest of the town, and jointly and publicly 
to gather in the worship of God amongst themselves for four 
months of the year yearly, that is to say, December, January, 
February and March, until the lands about them being more 
peopled, and themselves and their labors blest to such a suffi- 
ciency as that they shall be able comfortably, and without 
distraction, decently and honorably to set up and maintain 
the ministry and ordinances amongst themselves, and tliat 
they shall be released from one-third part of the charge that 
shall yearly arise for the maintaining the ministry in the 
town where it now is." 

Thus the people of this hamlet, foiir or five miles distant 
from Wethersfield church, and separated from it by Cedar 
mountain and two or three ranges of high hills and interven- 
ing valleys, had liberty granted them, for a third part of the 
year, when tiie weather was most inclement and the traveling 
the worst, to assemble in neighborhood meetings to worship 
God among themselves ; and were released from a third part 
of the tax for the support of the ministry at Wetiiersfield. 
Tiie two went together, freedom to worship God and the ne- 
cessity of paying for it. The vote shows how firmly linked 
were church and state in those days. Indeed tlie church was 
dominant, the civil power subsidary. Every man was held 
to liis allegiance to his God, and it was considered right that 
his property which he held as the steward of his Master, 



6 

should pay its due proportion towards tlie Master's service. 
The sturdy men of tliat time saw no ecclesiastical despotism 
in these principles. They based their action upon the sure 
foundation of the written word of God. The words of our 
Saviour " Render therefore unto Cesar the things whicJi 
are Cesar's, and unto God the things that are God's" con- 
tained a short summary of their duty to their God and their 
King, an epitome of their religion and their loyalty. 

All compromises are apt to fail. This one lasted about two 
years, wlieu the subject was again brought up in town meet- 
ing. The record tells the story as follows : — 

" At a town meeting lawfully assembled and held in Weath- 
ersfield, December 24, 1712. 

To the inhabitants of tlie town of Weathersfield now met in 
town meeting. 

The petition of those that now inhabit in the west divis- 
ions of lands in the said Weathersfield, with others that are 
proprietors therein. The good Providence of God having 
cast our lot here in this place. And we being willing for our- 
selves and of ours to serve the Lord God of our fathers, and 
finding it very difficult in the best season of the year, with 
our families, to attend the public worship of God at Weath- 
ersfield, and at many seasons very difficult. And being in- 
creased to such auuml)er at present that we may in a toler- 
able manner be capable to maintain a minister amongst us, 
with the ordinances of the Gospel, do earnestly entreat of 
the said town that they would compassionate us under our 
difficulties, (so far as to grant,) that we may be a distinct 
parish for the carrying on the worship of God amongst us. 
^And that the town would please to set out our ijarish bounds 
as may include the west divisions of lands in Weathersfield, 
that, all persons inhabiting within the said bounds, with the 
lands that are therein improved, may be obliged to pay tlicir 
proportion to all charges for the setting up and maintaining 
the worship of God amongst us. And herein you, the said 
town, would be pleased to gratify our desire and oblige our 
persons to thankfulness to yon. This is the earnest desire of 
us the subscribers, inhabitants and proprietors as above. 

Ezckil Buck, Nathaniel Churcliel, Abraham Woren, Jona- 
than Buck, Richard Bordman, Enock Buck, Ephraim Wliaplcs, 
John Whaples, Joseph Andrus, Simon* Willard, Benjamin 
Andrns, John Stoddar, Joseph Camp, Jolm Camp, Sanuiel 
Hun, Nathaniel Ilun, Eliphilit WhitUese, Jonatlian Wright, 
Steven Buck, John Kclcy, Steaven Keley, Daniel Andrus, 



Jonathan Hurlbiit, Jonathan Buck, Thomas Molton, Richard 
Beckly, John Deming, Ephraim Deming, Jabez Whittlese, 
Benjamin Becklj." 

The action of the meeting was now favorable to tlie peti- 
tioners, as recited in the votes passed as follows : — 

" At this meeting, December 24th, 1712. This petition as 
above was by vote granted to the petitioners, that they should 
be a distinct parish by themselves for the carrying on the 
worship of God amongst themselves. And it was also by vote 
agreed and consented to, that the aforesaid petitioners should 
be discharged from paying their part of tlieir minister's rate 
to the town of Weatliersfield when once tiiey have attained to 
those abilities that they can maintain the worship of God 
among themselves. It was at the same meeting voted and 
agreed, that Capt. Joshua Robbins, Lieut. Benjamin Churchel, 
Mr. 8tillman, Natlianiel Stodder and Jacob Giiswould, Sen., 
shall be a committee to look out a convenient place on the 
commons between the two last divisions, whereon the west 
farmers shall erect their meeting house for the carrying on 
the worship of (God) amongst them. And to make return 
thereof to the next town meeting." 

Thus after an agitation of the question for four years the 
town of Wethersfield granted", so far as they could, to the 
west farmers, their cherished desire of becoming a distinct 
parish. But this step involved the expense of building a 
meeting house and of settling a minister, necessarily a consid- 
erable tax upon the slender resources of the community. 
And the grant of the town must be confirmed by the General 
Assembly to enable them to become a corporate body, with 
power to lay and levy taxes within their geographical limits. 
The next session of the General Assembly was holden at 
Hartford, in May, 1713, and the following petition was 
presented to that body. 

" To the Honorable, the Creneral Assembly now holden in Hart- 
ford, May 14, 1713. 

May it please this Honorable Court — Some of the inhabit- 
ants of Weatliersfield, particularly those dwelling in the west- 
ern part of the said town, near the boi'ders thereof, being 
allowed by the inhabitants thereof to be a distinct society for 
the public worship of God ; the dwellings of the said western 
inhabitants being remote from the place of public worship in 
Weathersfield. We, the subscribers, in the behalf of the ma- 



jority of the said remote dwellers, pray the approbation of this 
honored court, that they should be sucli a distinct society for 
the end aforesaid, and that they may be furnished with powers 
for doing and performing what is or may be needful to the 
aforesaid end of said society, particularly that they may be 
enabled to raise and levy in a due propoi'tion and by an equal 
rule the necessary costs and charges for the said end on all 
persons inhal)iting, now or hereafter, the westward part near 
the western border of Weathersfield, that is to say, two miles 
and fifty rods in width from Farmington township eastward, 
bounded on the north by Hartford and on the south by Mid- 
dletown, and on their ratable estates within this said tract, 
and also on the appropriated lands, improved and unimproved, 
lying in the said ti'act pertaining to others dwelling without 
the said limits, as well as on the improved and unimproved 
lands of those that dwell within the said tract, unless that 
right would that the imjjroved lands of those which dwell not 
within the said tract should lie ta:jed lower than the improved 
lands of those that inhabit within it, the latter receiving the 
greater advantage of the ministry for the present. All of 
which is humbly submitted. 

Jabez Whittlesey, ) Committee. In the name and 

John Iteming, ^^''^'^ "".^ .<^''^ ^^^* P^'^P'-'^' 

' ) iors, petitioners. 

There were nine or ten families " dwelling towards the 
south-west corner" of the town, at the south end of. the pro- 
posed society, who attended worshi}) at the Great Swamp 
Society, located in the south-east part of what was then Farm- 
ington. These families bore their part of the ministerial 
charge in the town of Wethcrsfield, to the Rev. Mr. Mix, as 
by law they were obliged to do, being included in tiie limits of 
that town, but they did not wish to be put to the additional 
expense of helping to ])ay for the settlement of a new minister 
and the building of a meeting house, which would be the nat- 
ural result of the formation of a new society, within whose 
geographical limits they would be embraced. 

These families, then known as the Becklys, opposed the 
granting of a charter to the proposed society. They presented 
to the General Assemlily their written declaration, dated May 
15, 1713, signed by Benjamin Bcckly, Stephen Kelscy, Thomas 
Morton, Jonathan Buck, Richard Bcckly, and Jonathan Hurl- 



but, ill which they declare that they did not desire to be 
" joined or included in said society with those inhabitants 
towards the northwest part of said township of Weathersfield," 
stating that some of them were "twice so near to the meeting 
house in the south-east part of the township of Farmington" 
as to the place appointed by the committee for the meeting 
house in the new society, and preferring to remain as they 
were. They appointed Stephen Kelsey and Jonathan Hurl- 
but a committee to represent them before the Colonial Legis- 
lature. They also presented a paper, entitled " An account 
of the case of those nine or ten families that inhabit toward 
the south-west corner of Weathersfield bounds, the Beckleys 
and those about them," which contained a statement ia detail 
of the grounds of their opposition. But their labor was in 
vain. The General Assembly granted the charter by the fol- 
lowing resolution : — 

CHARTER. ■ 

" Upon the petition of divers inhabitants of Wethersfield, 
dwelhng in the west division of lands on the borders of said 
town, requesting that they may be allowed to be a distinct 
parish for setting up the public worship of God amongst them. 
This Assembly allows and grants the said petitioners to be a 
distinct parish^ for the public worship of God, according to the 
grant of the town of Wethersfield. Which parish is contained 
within these following limits, that is to say : Two miles and 
fifty rods in width from Farmington township, eastward, 
bounded on the north by Hartford, and on the south by Mid- 
dletown. And that they shall be discharged from payino' 
their dues to the minister of the town of Wethersfield, when 
and so long as they maintain the public worship of God 
amongst themselves." (Conn. Col. Rec. 1706-1716, p. 374.) 

The society was now legally established, with the corporate 
powers of a parish, being the second ecclesiastical society in 
the town of Wethersfield. Its geographical limits formed a 
parallelogram, long and narrow, extending from Hartford to 
Middletown, between Farmington on the west and Cedar 
Mountain on the east, making a natural boundary between 
the new and old societies of Wethersfield. It contained two 
settlements, one comprising the great majority of inhabitants 
located towards its northern extremity, the other comprising 



10 



the Becklcy quarter situated on its southern border. The 
latter community were dissatisfied with the aUiance. They 
had opposed the granting of the charter. Now that the society 
was a fixed fact they turned their attention to bringing about 
their own separation from it. and their anion with Great 
Swamp Society where they attended worship. 

For some years there had been more or less controversy 
between Wethersfield and Farmington in relation to the 
boundary line dividing these two towns. A new element was 
now introduced to still further complicate tlie matters of dis- 
pute. At last, after nearly two years had passed away, the 
conclusion arrived at between those in Farmington and the 
West Society who favored the Beckleys, was, that an exchange 
of territory would best heal the difficulty. 

At a meeting of the inhabitants of the West Society held 
April 4, 1715, a committee was appointed who favored the 
exchange policy, consisting of Benjamin Beckley, John Stod- 
dor, Jonathan Hurlbut, and Nathaniel Churchel. 

They immediately began to treat with their friends in 
Farmington who were to be annexed to the West Society in 
compensation for the annexation of the Beckleys to the Great 
Swamp Society. 

The terms were arranged and were put m writing m a 
paper which was signed by those proprietors in Farmington 
who consented to their proposition, as follows :— 

Consent of Farmington Proprietors. 
Whereas, on April 7, 1715, a committee from tlie Western- 
most Society in the Township of Weathersfield, and sundry 
inhabitants of the Southeastern Society in Farmington, have 
been treating with us, the subscribers, being part ot the pro- 
pde tors of ifnds lying westward of the divident uie between 
said Farmington and Weathersfield, extending to the north- 
ward of the bounds of the Great Swamp Society, m order 
to our willingness to have our lands and estates in said place 
released from ministerial charge in the Northward Socie y in 
Farmington and annexed to the said Westernmost Society in 
Weathe^'sfield, we, the said proprietors, do hereby sigmty our 
willingness to said motion, upon condition that we and our 
estates shall be excused from any rates lor the building the 



11 

first meeting-house, and from all charge ahout settling the 
first minister, except our proportion according to law, with 
our neighbors in said Westernmost Society in said Weathers- 
field, of one hundred pounds, as money if needful, for tlie 
settlement of said first minister in said place, and also upon 
condition that tlie meeting-house in said Westernmost Society 
of Weathersfield l)e set upon the plain in the common land, 
about 20 or 30 rods to the noi-thwestward from the house 
formerly belonging- to Joseph Andrus, late of Weathersfield, 
deceased. Thomas Hart, Sen. 

Jonathan Smith, Sen. 

Henry Bird. 

John Thompson. 
■ ' Thomas Thompson. 

Daniel Judd. 

Anthony Judd. 

Jonathan Smith, Jun. 

John Root. 

The next step was to obtain the consent to this arrange- 
ment of the society in Farmington to which the above propri- 
etors belonged. A meeting of the First Society of Farming- 
ton was called, and was held April 11, 1715. 

To this meeting the Committee of the West Society made 
a formal request in writing tliat the above agTeeinent might 
be ratified and carried out by the First Society. The docu- 
ment is as follows : 

Committee's Request to Farmington. 

Whereas, some of the- proprietors of lands within the Town- 
ship of Farmington in a division against Weathersfield have 
signified their willingness that their lands in said place sliall 
be released from ministerial cliarge in the Nortliward Society 
of Farmington and annexed to the Westernmost Society in 
the Township of Weathersfield, upon certain conditions men- 
tioned in an agreement bearing the same date with these pres- 
ents. The request of us, the subscribers, a committee from 
the Westernmost Society in Weatliersfield to the Noithward 
Society in Farmington, met April 11, 1715, is as foUowetli : 

Tliat the said Northward Society in Farmington will please 
to release all the lands in the division against Weathersfield, 
from the north bounds of the Society of the Great Swamp to 
the north side of the lot in said division which belongs to 



12 

the heirs of Thomas Stanley, late of Farmhigton, deceased, 
together with all ratable estate thereto belonging, from minis- 
terial charge in said Northward Society in Farmington, in 
order to their being annexed to the said Westernmost Society 
in said Weathersfiold, upon the conditions mentioned in said 
agreement. Signed by us. 

Benjamin Beckley, ^ 

John Stoddor, I Committee. 

Jonathan Hublbut, f 

Nathaniel Churchel,J 
April 7, 1715. 

Tiie request was faTorably received and acted upon by the 
Northward Society. The meeting passed the following vote : 

" The Society granted a liberty to the proprietors of tlie 
several lots in the division of land butting upon Weathers- 
field Township, from tlie south side of John Norton's lot on 
West Plain to the north side of the bounds of the Great 
Swamp Society, to annex their lots and estates within the 
said bounds to the society granted in Weathersfield west 
bounds, provided all that part of Wethersfield West Society 
from tlie north side of Hurlbut's lot (and to include the 
Kelsys) to Middletown bounds, comprising the Beckley's 
farm, all said land and estates be annexed to the Great 
Swamp Society, and so to continue. Yet allowing a liberty 
to any such persons, when any other ministerial society shall 
be erected nearer, to remove to said society. Upon the per- 
sons so doing, to be freed from all ministerial charge in the 
First Society in Farmington, arising after this time, for said 
lands and estates so annexed." 

The consent of the Society having been thus given to the 
exchange, nothing was now needed but the confirmation of 
the agreement by the General Assembly. Accordingly the 
following petition was presented to that body: 

Petition to the General Assembly. 

The Petition of some of the inhabitants of the Western 
Society of the Township of Weatliersfield to tlie General 
Assembly of the Colony of Connecticut, begun on May 12, 
1715, humbly showeth : 

That, whereas at a meeting of the inhabitants of the said 
Society, holden on April fourtli, sundry persons were ap- 



13 

pointed by said Society a committee to endeavor an exchange 
of some part of tiie bounds of said Society to males it more 
compact together, and the North Society in the Townsliip of 
Farmington iiave so far complied with the motion of said 
committee as to be willing that a certain tract of land in 
their bounds adjacent to the main bulk of the inhabitants of 
the said Western Society, togetlier with all ratable estate 
thereto belonging (as by the act of said society may more fully 
appear), should be released from ministerial charge among 
them, upon condition that the southern part of said Western 
Society in Weathersfield be annexed to the Southeastern Soci- 
ety in Farmington. The desire and request of the subscrib- 
ers is that this Honored Court will please to perfect and 
confirm the above mentioned exchange. And your humble 
petitioners shall always pray. Benjamin Beckley, Richard 
Beckley, Stephen Kelsy, Daniel Andrus, John Kellsy, Jona- 
than Hurlbut, John Andrus, Samuell Hun, Simon Willard, 
Heze. Deming, John Camp, John Stoddor, Nathaniel Church- 
ell, Mindwell Whaples, James Francis, Benjamin Andrus, 
Thomas Francis, Josiah Willard, Samuel Churchell, Thomas 
Morton, Abigail Camp, Nathaniel Stodder, Jonathan Stodder, 
Isaac Buck, Joseph Andrus. 

(The names in italics stricken out.) 

But there was a large and very respectable number of per- 
sons in Wetherstield who did not approve of the policy pro- 
posed. A remonstrance headed by Rev. Stephen Mix and 
Rev. Elisha Williams, the latter the first minister of the 
parish some years later, was numerously signed, as follows: 

Remonstrance. 

We, the subscribers, proprietors, or intrusted with the 
rights of minors in the western tract of Weathersfield, al- 
lowed for a distinct parish or Ecclesiastical Society, expres- 
sive of our dissent from the project of uniting of a part of 
said tract to Farmington South Society, and of Farmington 
to the northward part of our Society, as subversive to the 
said Society, have hereto snlijoined our names. Stephen 
Micks, Elisha Williams, James Treat, Thomas Wells, Joshua 
Robins, Joshua Robbins, 2d, Josiah Deming, Ebenezer Dick- 
inson, Jonathan Belding, Daniel Warner, Joseph Hurlbutt, 
Michaell Griswould, David Wright, Samuel Wright, Jona- 
than Goodrich, Jacob Griswold, Joseph Killburn, John Rose, 



14 



T^ohert Wells El^enezer Doming, Gideon Wells Benjamin 
Robeit we b J^ Elizabeth Curtis, wid., Samuel 

bSo? n1 S N^Jt, Daniel Bonlman, llu.ha.d RoW.n^ 
benton iNa Chester, Ephraim Goodrich, Sai ah 

Hannah ^y^X^^^^^^^r'^' Chester, William Warner, 
?itrd. w"'e.?wir JoS^Vls, Josiah Bellding Sam- 
S Sa^'eTDird, Jun., Abigail Lattimore T -mas Stand- 
ish John Deming, John Denying, Stephen ^usk, /ohn & s 
w^ui Abnham Woren, Ephraim Deming, Ezekel biain--* 

Wright. 

But the Beckleys and those interested with them in secui^ 
ino- their annexation to the Great Swamp bociety, for the 
encouragement of their project executed a bond, for the pay- 
ment of fifty pounds to the West Society m case the an- 
nexation should be granted by the Colonial Legislature. This 
l^ond was presented to the Assembly and lodged on file m the 
office If the Secretary of the Colony at Hartford. It is as 
follows : 

Bond Lodged in the Secretary's Office. 

Whereas, sometime in April last, at Y:"Ti^fn^i/o( 
inhabitants of the Western Society in the Township ot 
wtt e sfield, in the County of Hartford, and Colony of 
KSicut, in New England, a ---'^f ^^-^^^^1^ 
Iw said Society to endeavor an exchange of some pait ot ttie 
by saa ^^^'^'J g • t fo^. the encouragement of said cx- 
cZo and'pon edition that all the Tands in said West- 
W Soc^eJy in Weathersfield southward of the home lots of 
Stephen Ssey and Jonathan Hurlbut inclusively Ccompre- 
H no- sakl home lots and Beckley's farm), and all the per- 
hending sam n Ji hereafter belonging to the 

rollthwJdT-^oi'sS Society within the limits above men- 
tbned may be wholly released from ministerial charge in 
"er own Township, and annexed to the Southeastern boci- 
e y n t^e Township of Parmington, in the County aforesaid 
• tJ o dor of the General Assembly of this Colony ; we the 
subSers, inhabitants of the said Township o Weatlm^s- 
fied do hereby covenant and promise to and with our neigh- 
bo s in said Western Society in the Township of Weahers- 
f e d, manner following: That is to say that we wdl o 
our proportion with our neighbors there of building the hi..t 



15 

meeting-house among them, except what is already done to 
said meeting-house, and also pay to the said Western Society, 
or to any tliat shall legally represent them, upon demand 
thereof, the full sum of fifty pounds iu current money of 
New England, or bills of credit, or that which is equivalent 
thereto, in manner following: That is to say, twelve pounds 
and ten shillings within one year after the date of tliese pres- 
ents, also twelve pounds and ten shillings more within two 
years, and twelve pounds and ten shillings more within three 
years, and twelve pounds and ten shillings more within four 
years after the date of these presents, which above said fifty 
pounds is to be borne by us, the subscribers, according to the 
lists of our estates ; and to the faithful performance of the 
above written agreement we, tlie subscribers, do hereby bind 
ourselves, our heirs, executors and administrators firmly by 
these presents, both jointly and severally. 
In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals, 
this tliirteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord one 
thousand seven hundred and fifteen. 

Benjamin Beckley. [l. s. 
Daniel Andrus. [l. s. 

Stephen Kelsy. [l. s. 

Jonathan Hdrlbut. [l. s. 
Richard Beckley. [l. s.' 
John Kellsy. [l. s.] 

John Andrus. [l. s.] 

Daniel Beckley. [l. s.] 

Upon the presentation of these papers to the General 
Assembly they took no further action than to appoint Joseph 
Talcot, Esq., Col. William Whiting, and Capt. Aaron Cooke 
a committee to "go upon the place" to effect a settlement if 
possible between tiie parties ; if this were impossible, to fix 
upon a site for the meeting-house, consider tlie subject of the 
exchange, and report at the next October session of the 
Assembly (Conn. Col. Rec. 1706-171(3, p. 199). 

Two of tiie Committee performed the duty assigned to 
them, and made the following report at tiie October session 
of the Assembly, 1715, held at New Haven. 



16 



Report of the Committee of the Assembly. 

We, tlie subscribers hereunto, being appointed by the Gen- 
eral Assembly, holden at Hartford, May 13, 1715, to go to the 
West Farms in Weathersfield, to endeavor to bring the people 
there to an agreement and accommodation between the peti- 
tioners and other the inliabitants of the said West Society in 
Weathersfield, in respect to an exchange of the south ))art 
or southwest corner of Weathersfield West Society to the 
Great Swamp Society in Farmington, and for an addition of a 
part of Farmington Old Society to the foresaid West Society 
in Weathersfield, and any other thing that the situation of 
the lands and convenience or inconvenience of the exchange 
aforesaid, and place of setting the meetingdiouse, and any 
other things that may conduce to the peace and good settle- 
ment of said society, and make report to this Assembly in 
October next. 

We have accordingly. been upon the spot and called together 
before us said inhabitants, and have endeavored an agreement 
between them, which proved inetfectual, have also had a map 
of said lands laid before us, and upon the whole of our inquiry 
do conclude and report to this Assembly that wo judge the 
best regulation of that affair, and tliat which will conduce 
most to the weal and convenience of said people that do or 
may inhabit there, that the exchange of land between Weath- 
ersfield West Society and Farmington, laid before the Assem- 
bly in May last, be confirmed, and that the meeting-house 
place for the West Society in Weathersfield be on the Com- 
mons or common land near Dea. Joseph Andres's house, 
within about twenty or thirty rods of said house, and that the 
southwest corner of Weathersfield help build the meeting- 
house at tlie said West Farms, and pay 50 pounds to the peo- 
ple of the West Society in Weathersfield, according to their 
agreement upon file in the Secretary's office, and tliat the lands, 
stocks and heads belonging to that part of Farmington now 
added to Weathersfield West Society shall be annexed to 
them, said Weathersfield West Farms, and be obliged to pay 
to the support of all ministerial charges there in equal pro- 
portion with the rest of the said West Society. 

Joseph Tallcott. 
Aaron Cooke. 

The General Asseml)ly accepted the report, and passed an 
act to carry it into effect, annexing to the Great Swamp Soci- 
ety that part of the West Society " From the north side of 



17 

Hurlbut's lot and the north side of Stephen and John Kel- 
sey's lands to Middletown bounds, including the Beckley's 
land." And requiring them to pay the fifty pounds bond and 
help finish the meeting-house in the West Society. Also 
annexing to the West Society " All the land in the several 
lots in Farmington bounds from the south side of John Nor- 
ton's lot on Wolf Plain to the north side of the bounds of 
the Great Swamp." (Conn. Col. Rec. 1706-1716, p. 532.) 

The Great Swamp Society was in 1722 named Kensington. 
(Conn. Col. Rec. 1717-1725, p. 316.) And the territory 
taken from the West Society of Wethersfield in the manner 
detailed was wholly lost to Wethersfield, and now forms a 
part of the town of Berlin, which was incorporated May, 
1785. 

The West Society of Wethersfield was now established in 
more compact foi'm, so far as its geographical limits were 
concerned, than when it was first chartered. Those of its 
former inhabitants who had formed an element of discord 
had departed in peace. It was now ready to build a meeting- 
house preparatory to settle a minister, and to enter upon a 
career more favorable to its harmony and prosperity. The So- 
ciety became better organized. The next year, 1716, it began 
to keep a record of its Society meetings. The next ten years 
witnessed the building of the meeting-house, the formation of 
a church, the settlement of the first minister. Rev. Elisha Wil- 
liams, the naming of the parish Newingtou, and the close of 
Mr. Williams' ministry, in 1726, by reason of his being 
chosen Rector of Yale College. This record still exists, but 
in a state of decay ; it is worth preservation. It tells the 
story of the life of the parish during these years more truly 
than a brief condensation could do. 



THE FIRST 



BOOK OF RECORDS 



NEWINGTON rAllISII, OF WETIIERSFIELl). 



April B, 1716. 
At a Society meeting lawfully assembled and held at the dwelling house 
of James Francis, in the westwarduiost society in Wethersfield, upon the 
5th day of April in the year 1716, it was voted and acted as followeth : 
We then chose Josiah Willard, clerk of the West Society. It was voted 
to raise our meeting house in this instant month April, and also that the 
said meeting house should be raised within a few rods of the place where 
the timber now lies. John Stodderd, Sanil. Ilunn, Stephen Buck were 
chosen a committee to take care to raise, (and) provide for the raising of, 
the said meeting house : to act according to the best of their discretion foj- 
the public interest. 

May 8, 1716. 

At a Society meeting lawfully assembled and held upon May the 5th, 
1716, at the dwelling house of James Francis in the westwardmost society 
of Weatherstield, it was voted and acted as followeth, viz. to say, John 
Stodderd and Samuel liunn, Stephen Buck, chosen a committee to take 
care to cover the meeting house that was of late raised in the westward- 
most society in Wethersfield, to take care to provide all things necessary 
for said work that belongs to that meeting house, to act according to the 
best of their discretion for the public interest. It was voted that the same 
committee should underpin the said house. 

At the same meeting Josiah Willard was chosen and empowered to 
demand and receive the money that is due from our neighbors by the bond 
lodged in the Secretary's Office ;* from the persons concerned or so bound 

* That Mr. Willard entered upon the discharge of this duty appears from the 
following receipt given by him — " Whereas I, Josiah Willard, at a Society meet- 
ing lawfully assembled and held upon the I5[h (5th ?) day of May, 1716, at the 
dwelling liouso of James Francis, in the Westwardmost Society of Wethersfield, 
was chosen and empowered to receive the money due from several of our neigh- 
bors upon the account of the bond that is lodged in the Secretary's office 
Received this 20 day of March, 1 71 7, of Mr. Daniel Beckley, the just sum of 
twelve shillings due upon the account of the fifty pound bond lodged in the 
Secretary's Office, I say received by me 

Josiah WiLLAito. 



19 

to the Society, the above said Josiah Willanl is to demand, receive and 
keep and deliver to the society the said money at tlieir demand. 

Dec. 2, 1717. 

At a meeting of the west society of Wethersfield December the 2nd day 
1717, being lawfully warned : at this meeting it was voted and agreed, 
that there should be a rate raised on all our polls and ratable estate to 
raise money to defray the charge of the General (2) Court to the obtain- 
ing our first grant for a society, and also to defray all the charge already 
laid out about our meeting house ; always provided and to be understood, 
that all those that have 'done more work than their neighbors about the 
meeting house, shall stay for their pay for the space of one year, to or till 
others of their neighbors have come even with them in their labor, accord- 
ing as others that have already wrought at the meeting house, as to the 
price of their labor by the day or otherwise. 

At the same meeting it was also voted, that all men that labored at the 
meeting house shall have three shillings per day, from the first day of 
March till the first day of September for the time ])ast, and so annually for 
the time to come, and from the 1st day of September till the 1st day of 
March, they shall have two shillings per day, and also a man and team 
that is good and well fitted shall have six shillings per day, from the first 
day of March till the first day of September, and from the 1st day of Sep- 
tember till the 1st day of March a man and team shall have four shillings 
per day. v' 

At the same (meeting) it was voted that Abraham Woring,* James 
Francis and Josiah Willard, or any two of them, shall be a committee to 
adjust and account with those that have laid out money or done any labor 
about our meeting house, or about the concerns of our society, and also to 
get a true list of our etfects, and make a rate to defray the charge as above 
said : this is to be done upon the present list. 

At the same meeting Caleb Androus was chosen collector to gather the 
rates when made as above said. 

At the same meeting Jabezeth Whittelsey, Joseph Androus and John 
Deming were chosen a committee to manage the prudentials of our Society 
about our meeting house or other things needful for the year ensuing, with 
as full power as the selectmen in the town. 

At the same meeting Josiah Willard was chosen clerk and sworn. 

Dee. IS, 1718. 

At a society meeting of the inhabitants of Newingtonf parish lawfully 
assembled and held upon the loth day of December 1718 (3) voted and 
agreed, Josiah Willard chosen clerk and sworn. 

Also voted, Jabezeth Whittelsey, Mr. James Patterson, James Francis 
a committee to order the pruilentials of our Society about our meeting 
house or other things needful for the year ensuing, with as full power as 
selectmen of a town. 

Also voted that our committee for the year ensuing are impowered to 
receive and allow any further amounts that are just, and shall add them 
to the Society debts already brought in. 

Also voted, granted a rate on polls and all ratable estate in this Society 

* Woren was the way he spelled his name himself, now written Wart-en. The 
spelling of the original records as to names has been retained in all cases. 

t This is the first mention of the word Newington in any records. It is said 
to have been so called " out of regard to the place of Dr. Watts's residence neir 
London." (See Dr. Brace's Dis., 65.) 



20 

for the payment of all debts allowed by our committee, it is to be under- 
stood only the charges already passed. 

Also voted, Samuel Hunn collector to gather our society rates when 
made as above directed. 

January IB, 1719. 

At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfully 
assembled and held upon 15th of January, 1719-20, it was voted and 
agreed as followeth : 

Voted, Jabezeth Whittlesey, John Deming, Samuel Hunn a committee 
to order the prudentials of our Society for the year ensuing. 

Also voted, to call a minister to preach with us until the last of March 
next ensuing. 

Also voted, John Stoddard, Abraham Woring a committee to treat with 
Mr. Nathanel Burnham to come and preach with us. 

May 6, 1719. 

At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfully 
assembled and held upon sixth day of May, 1719, voted and agreed to 
petition to the General Assembly for a repeal of that act concerning an 
exchange between some part of the bounds of Farmington and Wethers- 
field. 

Also voted, Jabezeth Whittelsey, agent to go with a petition to the 
General Assembly.* 

April 6, 1720. 

At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfully 
assembled and held upon the 6th day of April, 1720, it was voted as fol- 
loweth : Jabezeth Whittelsey, Abraham Woring, a committee to treat 
with Mr. Elisha Williams to come and be our minister in Newington. 

April 21, 1720. 

(4) At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish' 
lawfully assembled and held upon the 21st day of April, 1720, voted and 
agreed : To get hewed plank and lay a floor in our meeting-house, and to 
get window-frames and glass for the lower tier of windows, and also to 
make doors for our meeting-house. 

Also, Richard Borman, Isaac Buck, Abraham Woring, a committee to 
lay a floor in our meeting-house, and to make doors. Also voted, Jabez- 
eth Whittelsey, Samuel Hunn, a committee to get window-frames, glass, 
hooks, and hinges for our meeting-house doors. 

Mays, 1720. 

At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, upon the 
3d day of May, 1720, voted and agreed as followeth : Whereas, through 
defect of warning, our votes on the 21st day of April last are of no eflect, 
now voted, that all of the votes passed by us on the 21st day of April last 
be good and valuable respecting our meeting-house, except that of getting 
hewed planks to lay a floor ; also voted to get two summers f and joists, 
and to buy one thousand and half of pine boards for the floor of our meet- 

* This petition was not granted. (6 Conn. Col. Eec, 116.) 
tThe summer is the technical name of the large central beam th.it supports the 
joists, seen in old buildings. 



21 

ing house. Also voted, Dea. Joseph Androus and James Francis a com- 
mittee to buy boards. 

Augusts, 1720. 

At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, upon the 
5th day of August, 1720, voted and agreed as followeth: We did make 
choice of the Rev. Mr. Elisha Williams (to) be our minister. 

Also voted and empowered Jabezeth Wbittelsey and Abraham Woring 
our committee to go and treat with the Rev. IMr. Elisha Williams to be 
our minister, and agree with him as to a settlement and maintenance ac- 
cording to the best of their discretion, and make return to this society. 

September IS, 1720. 

At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, upon 15th 
day of September, 1720, voted and agreed as followeth : To make hollow 
walls to our meeting-house. Samuel Hunn, John Stoddard, and Isaac 
Buck a committee to lath and plaster said walls. 

Also voted, Dea. Joseph Androus, James Francis a committee to lay a 
floor in our meeting-house. 

December 6, 1720. 

At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, upon the 
sixth day of December, 1720, voted and agreed as followeth: Samuel 
Hunn, Abraham Woring, and John Deniing, a committee to order the pru- 
dentials of our society for the year ensuing. 

Also voted, Samuel Hunn, John Camp, a committee to treat (5) with the 
Rev. Mr. Elisha Williams, in order to a settlement, and make return to 
this Society ; and endeavor with the town to get a piece of land for our 
minister, by gift, or by exchange, or by purchase, according as they shall 
be most likely to obtain it, to act according to the best of their discretion. 

December 21, 1720. 

At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfully 
assembled and held upon the 21st day of December, 1720, it was voted _ 
and agreed to give the Rev. Mr. Elisha Williams one hundred and seventy 
poimds for a settlement, for and in consideration that he will be our minis- 
ter, which is to be paid in money or labor done to building him a house, 
to be paid in two years after this present date, and he shall also have that 
money that is subscribed or shall be subscribed in the time.* 

Also voted, to give to him two days' work in a year of every man 
that is or shall be in this Society, from sixteen years old and upwards, 
capable of laljor, for the space of five years ensuing this date, which labor 
is to be done half in the summer and half in the winter, yearly. 
, Also voted, to give Mr. Williams, for his salary fifty pounds the two first 
years, and so to rise two pounds a year until we come to seventy pounds 
per year, and so to continue so long as he continues in the work of the 
ministry with us. Also voted, to raise a rate on polls and all ratable 
estate to pay Mr. Williams from the time of his first coming unto the last 

*This house was not the property of the Society, hut belonged to Mr. Williams. 
It afterwards came into the possession of the Kellogg family, and so continued 
till it was destroyed hy fire, in 1872. 



22 

ot" March, in proportion to a rate of fifty pounds a year, and then to begin 
the year with Mr. WiUiams.* 

Alfo voted, that a Society rate granted the 15th of December, 1718, 
shall stand in force and be collected. 

Also voted, to raise a rate on polls and all ratable estate to defray all 
the charge or debts raised in our society since. 

Also voted, that Samuel Hunn, John Deminj;, Abraham Woring to re- 
ceive, accept any just accounts that are behind and not yet brought in, 
and to make a rate to defray them. 

Also voted, Richard Borman and Abraham Woring collectors to gather 
our minister and society rates. 

January 4, 1721. 

At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfully 
assembled and held by an adjournment from the 21st of December, 1720, 
to the 4th day of January, I7'20-21.- 

Voted and agreed as followeth : For a man to have 2s. 6d. per day from 
this time to the 1st of March, and for a man and team to have five shillings 
per day to work at Mr. Williams' house. 

Also voted, Isaac Buck, Hezekiah Deming and Abraham Woring a 
committee to take care of the building of Mr. Williams's house (6) to see 
who labors and who does not, and keep an account. 

Also voted, Samuel Ilunn, John Camp a committee in behalf of the 
Society, to make demand of the fifty pounds due by bond from those 
persons included (in) the bond and annexed to Farmington : that is to 
say, Benjamin Bockley, Daniel .Vndrous, Stephen Kellsey, Richard Beck- 
ley, John Androus, John Kellsey, Jonathan Hurlburt, Daniel Beckley ; 
this committee is also empowered upon neglect or refusal to sue for the 
money due by the above said bond from those persons that are bound, viz. 
Benjamin Beckley, &c. 

February 16, 1721. 

At a Society meeting (of) the inhabitants of Newington parish, upon 
IGth of February, 1720-21, it was voted and agreed as followeth : granted 
to Mr. Elisha Williams liberty to make a seat or pew for his family in our 
meeting house. 

Also voted, to pay Mr. Williams' rate in grain at the price as followeth, 
viz : Wheat at five shillings per bushel, rye at three shillings and four 
pence per bushel, Indian corn at two shillings four pence per bushel. 

Also voted, for the payment of the fifty pound bond due from Benjamin 
Beckley, Daniel .■\ndrous, Stephen Kellsey, Richard Beckley, John An- 
drous, John Kellsey, Jonathan llurlburt, Daniel Beckley, that wheat should 
be five shillings per bushel, rye at 3s. 6d. per bushel, Indian corn at 2s. 6d. 
per bushel. 

May lO, 1721. 

At a Society meeting (of) the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfully 
assomblod and held upon the 10th day of May, 1721, it was voted and ' 
agreed as followeth, to petition to the General Assembly for some relief, 
that they would grant to us our country rate or grant a tax on all land un- 
improved, belonging to proprietors ; and that the Court would grant that 



* It would seem from this vote that Mr. Williams had preached for some time 
before this. (See tlie votes passed January 15, 1719, April 6, 1720, and August 
5, 1720.) Mr. Nadianicl BuriiJuun hail certainly preaclied belbre this time. (See 
Dr. Brace's Half Cuutiirv Discourse, pp. U>, II.) 



23 

our four public training days for some time might be improved in the 
public service of our society. 

Also voted, Jabezeth Wbittelsey agent to go to the General Court with 
the above vote and manage it according to the best of his discretion.* 

June 26, 1721. 

At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish lawfully 
assembled and held, upon the 26th of June 1721, voted and agreed as 
foUoweth : 

Samuel Hunn, Jabezeth Whittelsey, Richard Bonnan, Samuel Churchel 
should undertake to make twenty thousand bricks for Mr. Elisha Wil- 
liams, to take the care, and provide hands and all things for said work. 

December 13, 1721. 

(7) At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, law- 
fully assembled and held upon the 13th day of December, 1721, it was 
voted and agreed as followeth : 

Mr. James Patterson, Ephraim Deming, Richard Borman, a committee 
to order the prudentials of our Society for the year ensuing. 

Also voted Jebezeth Whittelsey, Caleb Androus collectors for the year 
ensuing. 

Also voted, for a man to have three shillings per day from the first of 
March to the first of September, and from the first of September to the 
first of March two shillings and six pence per day, and for man and team 
shall have six shillings from the first of March to the first of September, 
and from the first of September to the first of March five shillings per day, 
for labor already done to Mr. Williams' house or yet to be done. 

Also voted, Granted a rate to be raised on polls and all ratable estate, 
of the present list of our Society, to pay the one hundred and seventy 
pounds granted to Mr. Elisha Williams for a settlement December 21, 
1720. 

* Mr. Whittelsey immediately attended to this duty, as aijpears by the fol- 
lowing petition : 

"To the Honorable, the present General Assembly .it Hartford, May, A. D. 
1721. 
'ihe prayer of the inhabitants of the West Society in Weatbersfield implores 
the indulgence of the Court, that tlie said Society may be exempted from 
Country Kates by the space of four years as other new poor places have been. 
That a reasonable tax for a reasonable time may be laid on their unim])roved 
lands. That their training days may be turned into days of public service of tlie 
Society, at the discretion of such otflcers as the Society shall from year to year 
for that end appoint; and all training soldiers and officers obliged to attend the 
same under suitable penalties by the space of "the above said four years. And 
finally that the said society may be named and called Newington. 
And your poor petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray. 

JABEZ WHITTELSEY, 

For the Society. 

The Assembly granted " That the said Society raise a tax annually on all the 
land in the said parish or society that by law is not ratable, of ten shillings per 
the hundred acres, and pro rata for greater or lesser parcels, for the term of four 
years next coming ; and that the said society or parish be called Newington." 
(6 Conn. Col. Rec., p. 246.) 

This was passed May 25, 1721. One hundred and fifty years afterwards (July 
10, 1871) Newington was incorporated a town. 



24 

Also voted, Granted fifty pounds, to be raised on polls and all ratable 
estate in our Society, for Mr. Elisha Williams' salary, to be paid in money 
or grain, as fblloweth, viz. wheat at 5s. 4d. jjer bushel, and rye at 3s. Gd. 
per bushel, and Indian corn 2s. lOd. per bushel. 

Also voted, to build a pulpit in our meeting house, as soon as wc can 
in the spring. 

Also voted, twenty pounds money to defray the charge of a pulpit. 

Also voted, Stephen Buck, Tho. Frances, Sam'l Churchel, Jonathan 
Stodderd, Joseph Benton should undertake to build a barn for Mr. Elisha 
Williams,* and to employ those men that are behind in their rate of 1 70 
pounds above mentioned as him or them and they can agree, viz, Stephen 
Buck, Thos. Frances, &c. 

February 8, 1722. 

At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish lawfully 
assembled and held on the 8th day of February, 1 721-22, voted and agreed 
that Leonard Dix shall have two pounds out of the treasury or (the) fifty 
pounds due from the Beckleys. 

Also voted, that the remainder of the fifty pounds and the tax laid on 
the proprietors's unimproved land, to be laid out in our meeting house, to 
build a pulpit and deacon seat, and to prepare timber and nails for the 
finishing the lower part of our meeting house, and to proceed as far as we 
can with the money granted. 

Voted, Jabezeth ^Vhittelsey, Samuel Hunn and Samuel Churchel a 
committee to take care and proceed to do the work above mentioned in 
our meeting house, to proceed as fast as they can with prudence, also 
voted, the tax put into our minister's rate should be laid out and improved 
as above, and the rate made on ratable estate. 

December 20, 1722. 

(8) December 20 Day, 1722. 

That the Society grant the money of the tax granted by the General 
Assembly on the unimproved land to the committee for the finishing 
the meeting house for the charge that is past, that is, so much of it as 
to answer the same, that is the proprietors' and not the inhabitants' 
land, the galleries is exempted, the charge of them for this year. It was 
voted this 20th day of December 1722.f 

September 6, 1722. 

At a Society of Newington inhabitants lawfully assembled and held 
upon the fifth day of September, 1722, it was voted and agreed ; 

That Mr. Elisha Williams shall have sixty pounds money for his salary 
this year and next year, and next year he shall have sixty-two pounds, 
and so to raise two pounds a year tor the space of ten years, which will 
make eighty pounds, and so to continue eighty pounds per year so long as 
he continues in the work of the ministry with us. 

Also voted, that Mr. Williams' rate should (be) paid by the last of 
March annually, so long as he continues to be our minister. (See page 
the 5th.) 

* Stephen Kellsy was paid for eight days work " framing Mr. Williams' 
barn." 

t Another record of the same meeting follows in its order. This seems to bo 
inserted out of its chronological order. 



26 

Also voted, to find Mr. Williams his wood annually, so long as he con- 
tinues in the work of (the) ministry with us. 

Also voted, that a former vote bearing date the December 21, 1720, to 
give Mr. Williams two days works in a year of every male from sixteen to 
sixty years of age, shall be in full- force and virtue, and if any man in our 
Society shall refuse or neglect to do the two days laljor in the vote above 
mentioned (he) shall pay three shillings for the summer's day and two 
shillings six pence for a winter's day, and (it) shall be gathered by the 
collectors annually. 

Also voted Jabesh Whittelsey moderator for this meeting, and if any 
man shall presume to speak without liberty (he) shall forfeit the sum 
of ene shilling. 

Also it was voted that if Mr. May* would make window frames for 
the lower part of our meeting house, and Mr. Kelloug make the glass 
(?) for wood, then to take the windows that (are) now below and put 
them up in the upper part of our meeting house. 

Also voted, Richard Borman, Ebenezer Kilburn, James Francis, 
Isaac Buck, should keep a public house of entertainment on the day of 
the ordination of the Rev. Mr. Elisha Williams. 

September 12, 1722. 

(9.) At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish 
lawfully assembled and held upon 12th day of September, 1722, voted, 
and agreed as followeth : 

It was voted, having had some considerable experience of his life 
&c., we do make choice by a full vote of the Rev. Mr. Elisha Williams 
to be our minister and pastor. 

Also voted, to keep Wednesday the 3rd day of October next ensu- 
ing as a fast, to implore divine assistance of God in gathering a church 
of Christ here, and in the ordination of the Rev. Mr. Elisha Williams. 

Also voted and made choice of the Rev. Mr. Stephen Mix, of 
Wethersfield, and Mr. Samuel Whitman, of Farmington, to assist on 
the day of fasting as above mentioned, Mr. James Pattterson and John 
Deming to go to the ministers above said and to intreat them to come 
and help us.f 

Also voted, that the third Wednesday the 1 7th day of October next 
ensuing to be the day of the ordination of the Rev. Mr. Elisha Wil- 
liams. 

Also voted, Dea. Joseph Androus, Jabezeth Wittelsey, Joseph Hurlbut, 
David Curtis and Samuel Churchel to take care and provide for the 
ministers and messengers on the day of the ordination. 

December 20, 1722. 

At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington Parish, upon the 
20th day of December, 1722, it was voted and agreed : 

John Camp, Hezekiah Deming and Samuel Churchel a committee to 
order the prudentials of our society for the year ensuing. 

Also voted, Joseph Hurlbut and Ebenezer Kilburn collectors for the 
year ensuing. 

* Mr. Hezekiah May, of Wethersfield, did "joining; work" on the meeting 
house to the amount of fifty-five ])0uuds, for which Jabez Whittelsey, Samuel 
Hun and Samuel Churchell gave their pCTSonal bond, dated Sept. 25, 1722, pay- 
able 12,£. on or before the first day of October next, 31.£. on or before the 15th 
of March next, and 12£. on or before the last day of May nest thereafter. The 
office of committee was no sinecure in those days. 

t The church was then first organized. (See Dr. Brace's Discourse, p. 11.) 

4 



26 

Also voted, Mr. James Patterson, Deacon John Deminjr, and Josiah 
Willard, a committee to seat our meeting-house. 

Also voted, gi-anted a rate to be raised on polls and all ratable estate to 
pay Mr. Williams' salary, accordini; to our agreement. 

Also voted, Mr. Elisha Williams should have the parsonage at his dis- 
posal as long as he continues in the work of the ministry with us.* 

Also voted, £l 12s. to the widow Elizabeth Androus, for sweeping our 
meeting-house. 

Also voteil, that the present committee should inspect the old rates, and 
all that can't be had or got by law, and to deduct it and add it to our min- 
ister's rate. (See page 1 2.) 

March 1, 1723. 

(10.) At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, 
lawfully assembled and held upon the 1st day of IMarch, 1722-3, it was 
voted and agreed as followeth, viz. : Concerning our parsonage, lying so 
that there is a great inconveniency in the highway, we do consent and 
desire to remove it to a more convenient place, provided it be no damage 
to our Society, town, or to Mr. Williams, and that the land may be as 
good. We do appoint Mr. Jame.*; Patterson, David Curtis, and William 
Smith, to use the circumstances thereof, and to discourse Mr. Williams, 
and to have his consent, and make report at the town meeting. 

Also voted, to fill the walls, and lath and plaster the lower part of our 
meeting-house. 

Also voted, that Joseph Hurlbut and Tho. Francis, a committe to see 
said work done. 

December 31, 1723. 

At a Society meeting Of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfully 
assembled and held upon the 31st day of December, 1723, it was voted 
and agreed as followeth: Hez. Deming, Eliphalet Whittelsey, and Josiah 
Willard, a committee to order the prudentials of our Society for the year 
ensuing. 

Also voted, Ebenezer Kilburn and Hezekiah Griswould, collectors to 
gather our minister and Society rates, and tax money granted by the Gen- 
eral Court. 

Also voted, that all former committees shall make up their accounts 
with the collectors chosen when they were, and to bring the arrearages 
to the present committee, and to be added to the present Society charge. 

Also voted, for the payment of our minister rate that wheat should be 
at 5s. 6d. per bushel, rye at 3s. 9d. per bushel, and Indian corn at 2s. 8d. 
per bushel. 

Also voted, that the present (committee to adjust all accounts in our 
Society about our meeting-house, from the laying of the floor and filling of. 
the walls to this day ; all such accounts to be examined by the committee, 
and to allow or disallow as they find them to bo just or unjust. 

Also voted, granted a rate to be raised on polls and all ratable estate to 
defray the necessary charge of our Society. 

Also voted, that our committee should purchase a drum, and add it to 
our present Society charge. 

Also voted, Jebezeth Whittelsey, Isaac Buck, a school committee, and 
the country money to them to defray part of the charge of a school.f 

*The parsonage was opposite the present residence of Martin Robbins, Esq. 
Mr. Williams lived in his own house. (Dr. Brace's Dis., 66.) 
t Tlie first mention of the subject of schools. 



27 



February 8, 172S. 

At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfully 
assembled and held upon the 8th day of February, 1724-5, (11) it was 
voted and agreed as followeth : Mr. Josiah Deming, John Camp, and 
Josiah Willard, a committee for this year to order the prudentials of our 
Society according to the best of their discretion. 

Also voted, Nathaniel Stodderd and Jonathan Griswould, collectors for 
this year. 

Also voted, for the payment of our minister's rate, wheat should be at 
6s. per bushel, rye at 4s. 6d. per bushel, Indian corn at 4s. per bushel. 

Also voted, one pound ten shillings to be added to our minister's rate. 

Also voted, to carry Mr. Williams wood as heretolbre we have done, 
and to cart it on the first Thursday oi' March, 

January 6, 1726. 

At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfully 
assembled and held upon the sixth day of January, 1725-6, voted and 
agreed : Deacon John Deming, Joseph Hurlbut, and Isaac Buck, com- 
mittee for the year ensuing to order the prudentials of our Society. 

Also voted, David Griswould, and Nathaniel Churchel, collectors to 
gather our minister and Society rates. 

Also voted, that the necessary charge of our Society for this year should 
be added to our minister's rate. 

Also voted, that grain for the payment of Mr. Williams' rate should be 
as followeth: — wheat at 6s. 6d. per bushel, rye at 4s. 6d. per bushel, and 
Indian corn at 3s. 6d. per bushel. 

Also voted and agreed, that our annual meeting for the choosing of 
Society officers in this Society for the future shall be on the third Monday 
of December, beginning at twelve of the clock of the day. 

Also voted, whereas this society are obliged by covenant to provide Mr. 
Williams his firewood so long as he continues in the work of the ministry 
among us, and the method heretofore practiced of warning all or most of 
the society in a day been found by experience to be troublesome, uncer- 
tain, and unequal, for remedy hereof it is now voted and agreed to grant a 
rate of twelve pounds to be raised on polls and all ratable estate apper- 
taining to all persons inhabiting within this Society, for providing Mr. 
Williams' wood ;- and every person hath liberty to pay his proportion of 
the said 12 pounds in wood, provided he doth it in season ; but if any per- 
son refuses or neglects to pay his proportion seasonably in wood, they 
shall pay it in money, or that which is equivalent, to the committee for 
the Society for the time being, to be by them improved for the providing 
of said wood ; and further, the committee for the Society for the time 
being (12) for the time shall order every person as to the time of his car- 
rying Mr. Williams his proportion of wood, and those that attend not this 
order as to time shall be deemed unseasonbly, always provided no person 
be hindered from carrying their proportion sooner than the committee 
orders ; and every load is to be reckoned at the price of three shillings. 

Also voted, to provide all joists and boards for the galleries' floor of our 
meeting-house, and to lath and plaster the w'Sills of our meeting-house up 
to the plate, and the new windows to be put up below, and the present 
windows of our meeting-house to be put up above. 

Also voted, to have a school in our Society, and what the country money 
don't pay is to be raised on polls of the children that go to school, to 
defray the charge of the school. 



28 

Also voted, Dea. Joseph Androus and James Francis, a committee for 
the school. 

Also voted, that for the payment of our minister rate grain should be as 
foUoweth, viz : — Wheat at six shillings per bushel, rye at tour shillings per 
bushel, and Indian corn at two shillings eight pence per bushel. 

Also voted, to have a school six months in this Society for the instruc- 
tion of children, and all the charge more than is allowed by the country 
to be raised on the polls of those children whom their parents send to 
school. 

Also voted, Jabezeth Whittelsey and Richard Borman a school com- 
mittee. 

To the Honorable Governor and Council: 

We, the inhabitants of Newington, having considered the weighty affair 
of the removal of our Rev. pastor trom us to Yale College — * 

April IS, 1726. 

At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawlully 
assembled and held upon the 15th day of April, 1726, voted and agreed 
as followeth : That we desire to be heard as to the removal of our Rev. 
pastor to Yalfe College by the honored Governor and Council. 

Also voted, Deacon Jabezeth Whittelsey, John Camp, and Joseph Hurl- 
but, a committee to represent our Society, if by any means our minis- 
ter may stay with us ; and if not, act according to the best of their discre- 
tion that we may have the charge returned that we have been at in set- 
tling our minister. 

May 25, 1726. 

At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfully 
assembled and held upon the 25th day of May, 1 726, it was voted and 
agreed to call the Rev. Mr. Simon Backus upon probation for our minister. 

Also voted, Jabezeth Whittelsey, to call Mr. Backus upon probation. 

Yale College had for some years been without a rector. 
Tiie General Court had appointed a Committee to inquire into 
the reasons for the long delay in filling tlie vacant chair of 
president of that " school." At last the trustees of the Col- 
lege met at Hartford, May 22, 1724, and there presented a 
memorial to the General Assembly tlien in session at Hartford, 
stating among other things their action in attempting to fill 
the vacant rectorship as follows: "We have unanimously 
chosen the Rev. Mr. Wigglesworth, Professor of Divinity at 
Cambridge, to be the Rector of Yale College. And in case 
of a disappointment of our hope of obtaining him, we have 
chosen the Rev. Mr. William Russell, of Middletown, to that 
office. And in case our expectations should there fail us also, 

* This is the beginning of a petition to the Governor and Council, inserted 
here perha])S liy mistake. I do not find luiy such jjetitioii. — |K. VV.] 



29 

in a farther attempt, the Rev. Mr. Elisha Williams, of New- 
iiigtoii, hath had the voice of the major part of the trustees 
here present." The memorial was signed by T. Woodbridge, 
as moderator, and Eliphalet Adams, as scribe. 

This memorial contains the following endorsement, " Upon 
consideration of the above address of the trustees of Yale Col- 
lego, and the extraordinary charge they will be at in settling 
a rector there, it is granted that the impost of rum for the 
present year be allowed and paid to them to enable them 
therein." 

During the following year the trustees of the College made 
unanimous choice of Mr. Williams as rector. Only two or 
three years before, he had been settled as pastor for life over 
the parisli of Newington. A considerable sum of money had 
been paid to him and expended for him for his settlement. It 
was in part consideration of his entering into a life-long con- 
tract to labor with them and cultivate this long destitute por- 
tion of the Lord's vineyard. He was their first pastor, and had 
but just begun his appointed work with them ; had scarcely 
got his settlement money in his pocket. He could not now 
break this "binding contract. He could not abandon it with- 
out the consent of the other party to it. This fact was recog- 
nized by all. Negotiations therefore were commenced between 
the trustees of the College, Mr. Williams, and the people, to 
effect an amicable arrangement for his release and removal. 
The people were unwilling to part with him. They asked to 
be paid their disbursements if he went away from them. This 
was certainly reasonable, for they were poor; so was the Col- 
lege. Recourse for help was had to the General Court. 

In October, 1725, the trustees of the College presented the 
following memorial to the General Assembly. 
" To the Honorable the Governor, Council and Representa- 
tives, in General Court assembled, at New Haven, October 
14, 1725. 

The memorial of the ti-ustees of Yale College humbly shew- 
eth, that the said trustees after many endeavors for tlie gain- 
ing a rector for Yale College, have at our late meeting in New 
Haven unanimously chosen the Rev. Mr. Elisha Williams, 
minister of Newington, a parish belonging to Wethersfield, 



30 

unto that service, and judge him a person well qualified for the 
work we liave called hini to, and in him have a fair prospect 
that he will he a repairer of the breach that has been made in 
that society ; and as that school has had its beins: from this 
Honorable Assembly, and testimonies of their good will in 
supporting it hitherto, so we count it our duty not only to in- 
form this Honorable Assemljly of the measures we have taken 
for the promoting the good thereof, Ijut now pray that Ijy your 
act you will give your public approbation of our choice, which 
we shall take as a favor. We (as appointed by the trustees) 
have made application, both to the Rev. Mr. Williams, and to 
the people of the parish, with liim, and liave a likely prospect 
of obtaining him, both from him and tliem ; but tlie parish 
being small, and generally new beginners, it will necessarily 
bring a considerable charge upon them in settling of another 
minister. The College, out' of their small stock cannot fully 
answer the charge we shall put them to ; we therelbre humbly 
pray this Honorahle Assembly that as they have often done to 
divers places in this Government, that upon Mr. Williams' 
removal to the College, so you will please to allow them their 
country rates (which are but little,) for the space of four or 
five years, and by your act state it to be applied to the settling 
the next succeeding minister in their parish ; and we shall 
accept it as a token of the favor this Honoral)le Assembly bears 
to the College, and a manifestation of their deligliting in its 
prosperity. And your memorialists shall ever pray, &c. 

Timothy Woodbridge, 
Thomas Buckingham, 
Samuel Whitman. 

Upon the reception of this memorial the Assembly congrat- 
xdated the College, saying, 

" This Assembly rejoice in the good providence that con- 
ducted the Reverend Trustees to fill up tlie vacancy of a rector 
in said College witli a gentleman so agreeable to the country, 
and so very acceptable to the Assembly ; and do enact that 
when tlie said Mr. Elisha Williams shall remove to New 
Haven into the service of rector in Yale College, according to 
appointment of the said reverend trustees, that Newington, or 
the inhabitants of said parish, shall be freed from [laying their 
country tax for the sj)ace of four years next coming, on con- 
dition that the money be improved towards settling anotlier 
minister in said parish." 6 Conn. Cvl. Bee, 569. 

After this aid was extended to Newington by the General 
Court, negotiations were again renewed. The College, acting 
tlirough its trustees, and tlio parish, acting through its com- 



.31 

mittee, at last agreed that the terms of adjustment lietween 
the College and society should be settled by a committee. 
The College selected Mr. Nathaniel Stanley and Capt. Ozias 
Pitkin ; the society Mr. Nathaniel Burnham and Mr. Martin 
Kellogg, as a committee of arbitration, to adjust the accounts 
presented by Newington, for expenses incurred in settling Mr. 
Williams. 

The pari.sh presented the following bill of particulars : 
" A true account of the settling of Mr. Williams, at New- 
ington. 

1. Particular. The committee treating with Mr. Williams 
before his first coming but to Newington to undertake the 
work of the ministry with us, 

2. The charge of the several meetings about 

settling him, - . . - 

3. Charge arising in bringing out his family, 

goods, and creatures, at his first coming- 
out, and providing a supper, - • 

4. Charges at his ordination, 

5. Charges at the raising of Mr. Williams' 

house, - - - - 

To eight acres of land. 
To 170 pounds towards the building of 

Mr. Williams' house. 

More to days' works, that amount to 
These items amount to ,£362 6s. 8d. The committee how- 
ever did not allow the whole of the bill. They rejected all 
but the sum of £200 16s. which they awarded should be paid 
by the College. A memorandum of the adjustment, which 
still exists, shows its terms in full. 

" A. D. 1726, May the 4th. It was concluded by Mr. Na- 
thaniel Stanley and Capt. Ozias Pitkin, chosen by the Rev. 
Trustees of Yale College, (Mr. Timothy Woodbridge, and Mr. 
Thomas Buckingham, and Mr. Samuel Whitman,) and also 
Mr. Nathaniel Burnham, and Mr. Martin Kellogg, chosen also 
by the committee of Newington, (Dea. Jabez Whittelsey, John 
Camp, and Joseph Hurlbut,) to adjust the accounts that the 
peoj)le of Newington were at in settling of the Reverend Mr. 
Elislia Williams amongst thorn as their pastor. Jt was con- 
cluded that there should be delivered to tiie committee the 
sum of two hundred pounds, sixteen shillings, in bills of credit, 
by the last day of October next ensuing the date of these pres- 
ents, and also to pay to them wliat the General Assembly 



£1 is. 


Od. 


00 





2 13 
38 15 



5 


3 4 

80 






170 

65 6 




3 



32 

granted to them, also the releasing of their country rates for 
the term of f'onr years." 

On the same day the committee drew up their report to the 
General Assembly in which they announced the conclusion to 
which they had arrived. This sum was higher than the Col- 
lege felt able to pay. Again recourse was had to the General 
Coui't. It would seem that even now the question of Mr. 
Williams leaving for the new field of labor at New Haven, 
depended upon the action of the General Court in affording 
their aid. The College was felt to be in danger of sinking 
unless the enterprise could be carried through. The following 
carefully drawn memorial for help gives a vivid picture of the 
situation. 
" To the Hon'''*" Governor, Council and Representatives in 

General Court assembled, in Hartford, May 12, 172G. The 

memorial of us tlie subscribers, in behalf of Yale College, 

humbly offered. 

Whereas for public benefit the said College hath been 
erected, and hitherto supported in great measure, by the favor 
and beneficence of the Honorable Assembly of this Colony, so 
as our necessities have required, upon application to them by 
the trustees of said College, it has from time to time been sup- 
plied, wherefore make bold to inform this Honorable Assem- 
bly that it stands in great necessity of relief. It is well known 
that the sufferings of the College through the defection of the 
rector have been long and great, and will increase till there be 
a rector settled in it. Through the good hand of God's provi- 
dence the trustees have Ijeen directed to make choice of the 
Rev. Mr. Elisha WiUiams, of Newington Parish, in Wethers- 
field, to supply that place, which this Honorable Assembly 
has well approved, and given a good token of their approlia- 
tion. We, according to tlie instructions given us by the trus- 
tees, have applied to the said Mr. Williams, and to the people 
of his parish, and have, though not without difficulty, olitained 
the consent of .Mr. Williams and his people, that he shall 
remove to New Haven, and as it appears both just and reason- 
able, that the people should be made good in their temporal 
interests. We have agreed with their committee to take the 
judgment of prudent and indifferent persons in stating their 
"accounts, who have given their judgment in the case, and have 
determined what they judge to bo just and reasonalile for the 
people to receive, to make up what tlicy have expended in set- 
tling Mr. Williams amongst them, which sum ariseth higher 



33 

than wliat the College can pay, and what tlie General Assem- 
bly in October last granted ; wherefore we make our humble 
address to this Honorable Assembly to assist the College, 
which will be in danger of sinking without it. We therefore 
humbly pray that this Honorable Assembly would according 
to your usual bounty, and from their good will to the support 
of the College, grant to the trustees for the use of the College, 
the impost settled by law on the importation of rum, from the 
beginning of last May, to be continued till the May next com- 
ing, which possibly may reach to what is due to the people of 
Newington, to repair the rector's house, and fit it to dwell in. 
And we hope and desire that the Divine Goodness will gra- 
ciously accept your offering. And we obliged ever to pray as 
in duty bound, &c. T. Woodbridgb, 

Samuel Whitman. 

The General Court received the application graciously, and 
responded by voting to pay one half of the money out of the 
Colonial .treasui-y, as follows : 

" Upon the memorial of the Rev. Mr. Timothy Woodbridge, 
and Mr. Samuel Whitman, Trustees of Yale College, inform- 
ing this Assembly that they had prevailed with the Rev. Mr. 
Elisha Williams to remove from his parish at Newington to 
Yale College, and to undertake the trust and service of rector 
of said college, and that the people of Newington ought to be 
considered with respect to the disbursements they have made 
in settling Mr. Williams amongst them. It is, therefoi-e, con- 
sidered by this Assembly, that the Treasurer pay out of the 
public treasury to the inhabitants of Newington, the sum of 
one hundred pounds and sixteen shillings, in satisfaction of 
part of the sum the trustees agreed the said inhabitants 
should have as a recompense for their said disbursements ; 
provided the said Mr. Williams be settled in the trust of 
rector of the said college." 7 Qonn. Col. Rec, 24. 

The record also shows an act of courtesy to Mr. Williams 
which proves the high estimation in which he was held 
personally : — 

At a meeting of the Governor and Council in Hartford on 
April 13, 1726 : 

" A letter to Mr. Williams, elect rector of Yale College, 
was read and approved at this board, and ordered that the 
same be signed by the secretary ; and his Honor is desired 
to have it transmitted to Mr. Williams." 6 Oonn. Gol. Eec, 
380. 

5 



34 

The Trustees of the College were now enahled to comply 
with the terms of the adjustment, and they did so. The 
money was paid to the committee of the parish, as shown by 
the following receipt : — 

" November 4, 1726. 
" The money received from the Reverend Trustees was tlms 
disposed : 

" John Camp, 13 five-pound bills. 

" Joseph Hurlbut, 13 five-pound bills. 

" Of the society money received by me, 

Joseph Hurlbut. 
" Jabez Whittelsey, 14 five-pound bills and sixteen sliil- 
lings. 

" Witness our hands, 

" John Camp. 

" Jabez Whittelsey." 

The grant of the General Court in May, 172(3, settled 
the question of Mr. Williams' removal. He probably dis- 
solved his connection witli the Newington parish and church 
at once. The society meeting of May 25, 172(5, voted to call 
Rev. Simon Backus on probation. 

The Society lost a revered pastor, the College gained an 
able rector. 

Mr. Williams was a man of ability and culture, lie had 
represented the town of Wethersfield in the General Assem- 
bly, at its sessions held in October, 1717 ; May, 1718 ; May 
and October, 1719 ; and May, 1720. He had been appointed 
Clerk of the House at all these sessions, except that of May, 
1719, when he held the office of auditor of public accounts. 
He had also acted as tutor to some of the students of Yale 
College, at Wethersfield, in 1719. His ability had been tried 
and approved in all these positions. He acted as rector of 
the College for thirteen years, till Oct., 1739, when he resigned 
on account of ill health. Soon after, in May, 1740, we find 
him again representing the town of Wethersfield, in the Gen- 
eral Assemljly, and Speaker of the House during that session. 
He continued to bo a deputy from Wethersfield and speaker 
of the House for several sessions thereafter. He was judge 
of the Sui)crior Court in 1740, and for some years following. 



85 

He was also a Justice of the Peace for Wethersfield, in 1740, 
and for a number of years after tliat time. He held the office . 
of Town Clerk for the same town. He was appointed by the 
General Assembly held in March, 1745, chaplain to the State 
forces sent in April in the expedition against Cape Breton. 
He was chaplain during that spring and summer, and wit- 
nessed the capture of Louisburg, June 17, 1745. In August 
he had probably resigned, as we find a vote of the General 
Assembly passed in that month requesting him to continue 
as cha{)lain. 

In May, 1746, he was again a Deputy from Wethersfield to 
the General Assembly. That session determined that another 
expedition should be sent to Canada, and Mr. Williams 
was appointed its colonel. The i-egiment, however, did not 
go. It was I'aised and expenses were incurred. Mr. Wil- 
liams was sent as special agent of the colony to Great Britain 
to negotiate for the payment of these expenses, by the General 
Government. Without following his career further, the fore- 
going incidents of his life, prove his great versatility of talent. 
He was a prominent character in theology, education, law, 
legislation, diplomacy, war and military affairs. He died 
in Wethersfield, July 24, 1755.* 

His removal from Newington to Yale College properly 
closes the first epoch in the history of that parish. 



SECOND PERIOD, 1726-1746. 

The parish of Newington being left without a pastor, hj 
the removal of Mr. Williams, immediately took the necessary 
steps to supply the vacancy. Mr. Simon Backus, of Norwich, 
was called to preach on probation. His pastoral ministrations 
appear to have been satisfactory, for, after a short probation- 
ary term of service, he was called to be a settled pastor. This 
was voted in society meeting, Aug. 24, 1726. The terms of 

* See Dr. Brace's Discourse, for a sketch of his life and character. 



36 

his settlement were agreed upon, and embodied in a vote of 
the society passed September 5, 1726. On account of the 
'poverty of the parish he received Init a meagre sum for a set- 
tlement, " One hundred and seventy-five pounds of the money 
given by the country and college, and all the money granted 
us in our country taxes, be it more or less." Mr. Backus, 
Iiowever, accepted these terms in his formal answer to the 
society, dated Sept. 7, 1726. He was ordained Wednesday, 
the 25th day of January, 1727. Dr. Brace says of him : — 
" From all the testimony which I have found, I am convinced 
that Mr. Backus was a substantial, orthodox, pious minister, 
that gave good satisfaction to the people during his ministry, 
which continued about twenty years. His wife was one of 
the ten daughters (every one of whom has been said to be six 
feet tall, making the sixty feet daughters, and all of them 
strong in mind,) children of Rev. Timothy Edwards, of East 
Windsor. Mr. Belden used to tell me of Madame Backus, as 
living here in his time, and of her brother, Rev. Jonathan 
Edwards, of Northampton, as visiting iiis sister, and favoring 
Mr. Belden by preaching to the congregation of Newington. 
I suppose she closed her life at Bridgeport, with her son. Rev. 
Simon Backus, who was the minister of that place. Mr. 
Backus himself died in 1745, at Cape Breton, whither he had 
gone as chaplain in the colonial service, aged about forty-five 
years. He was a good minister, and lived in great harmony 
with his people."* 

The following is the record of the society during the term 
of his service as pastor. 



THE FIRST VOTES FOR THE SECOND MINISTER. 

June 1, 1726. 

At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, upon the 
first (lay of June, 1726, it was voted and agreed as followeth : 

It was voted n.nd agreed, that all the votes preceding the 25th day 
of May, 1726, however weak and insufficient they be, they shall be 
accepted to be good, and are hereby made good and valuable. 

* Dr. Brace's Dis., pp. 14 and 15. 



37 

It was also voted, to proceed to get some suitable person upon probation 
to be our minister. 

It was also voted, that Dea. Jolin Deming and John Stoddcrd do, iij 
behalf of the Society, apply to Mr. Russel, junior, of Middletown, to come 
and preach here upon probation ; and if he shall decline it, then Dea. John 
Deming is to proceed to make application to Simon Backus, of Norwich, 
to come here on the aforesaid purpose. 

.A.ugust 24, 1726. 

At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfully 
assembled and held on the twenty-fourth day of August, 1726, it was 
voted and agreed as foUoweth, viz. : 

It was voted and agreed to call Mr. Simon Backus to be our minister. 
Dea. John Deming, Samuel Hunn, a committee to treat with Mr. Backus 
in order to a settlement. 

It was voted and agreed to give Mr. Backus seventy pounds salary the 
first year, and to rise two pounds per year until we come to eighty povmds a 
year. It was voted to give Mr. Backus for a settlement one hundred 
pounds money when we receive it of the country or college, and sixty 
pounds as it is gathered in our country rates, and sixty pounds in labor 
towards building. 

The meeting is adjourned until the next Monday come sennight, at sun 
one hour high at night. 

September S, 1726. 

At a Society meeting continued by adjournment from August the 24th, 
1726, to September the 5th, 1726, it was voted and agreed as iblloweth : 
Making void those two votes relating to a settlement and salary passed 
the 24th of August last. It was voted (17) and agreed, to give Mr. 
Simon Backus for a settlement one hundred and seventy-five pounds of 
the money given by the country and college, and all the money granted 
us in our country taxes, be it more or less. • 

It was also voted, to give Mr. Simon Backus for a salary seventy pounds 
the first year, and so to rise as we rise in our lists until we come to ninety 
pounds per year, so to continue as long as he continues in the ministry 
with us. 

It was voted, to give Mr. Simon Backus his yearly wood, and the use of 
the parsonage, so long as he continues in the work of the ministry with 
us. This meeting is adjourned to the next Friday, at sun one hour high 
at night. We then received Mr. Backus' answer, which is as followeth : 

MR. backus' answer TO THE SOCIETY OP NEWINGTON. 

" To the Society of Newington : 

" That respect you have put upon me in the several votes your commit- 
tee appointed for that end have laid before me, calls for my particular 
acknowledgment, and to your votes of the 24th of August and of the 5th 
of this instant September, jyherein you have manifested your desire of my 
settlement with you in the work of the ministry, and for that end have 
made proposals to me for my settlement and maintenance therein, as you 
desire (I) make this return by your committee. That in a due sense of 
my unworthiuess to be employed in, and insufficiency for that great and 
solemn work of the ministry, I accept of your call to that woi'k, and 
acceiit your proposal for ray settlement and yearly maintenance. Desiring 



38 

your earnest prayers with mine to the God of all grace that I may come 
to you in the fullness of the blessing of the Gospel of Christ. 
"Sept. the 7, 172G. SIMON BACKUS." 

November 21, 1726. 

(18) At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, 
upon the 21st day of November, 172G, it was voted and agreed as foUow- 
eth, viz. : We apjioint by vote Wednesday, the 28th day of December 
next, for the ordination of the Rev. Mr. Backus. 

It was voted, that the present committee is to agree with the man that 
boards Mr. Backus to provide for him on the ordination day for victuals 
and drink convenient. 

It was voted and agreed, that Samuel Hunn, Joseph Hurlburt, Ebene- 
zer Killborn, Caleb Androus, Isaac Buck, James Frances, Ebenezer Smith, 
should keejj a tavern on the ordination day. 

It was voted that the present committee, Jabezeth Whittelsey, John 
Camp, Joseph Ilurlbut, shall forthwith pay to Mr. Simon Backus the one 
hundred and seventy-five pounds money already voted to him on Sept. the 
5th, 1726, taking his receipt, which shall be their discharge of said 
money.* 

It was voted and agreed for the £23 10s. received for the Society, now in 
the hands of said Committee, Dea. Jabezeth Whittlesey, John Camp, Joseph 
Hurlbut, shall be distributed by them to the persons according to the 
charge they were at in the particulars following, to wit : the charge of 
bringing out Mr. Williams and his family, at his first coming, and charges 
of his ordination, and for raising of his house, and for bis oven and well. 

December 19, 1726. 

At a society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington Parish upon the 
19th day of December, 1726, lawfully assembled and held; it was voted 
and agreed as followeth : 

It was voted and agreed that Dea. John Deming, Samuel Hunn, Senior, 
Caleb Androus, should be a committee for the year ensuing to order the 
prudentials of the society according to the best of their discretion. 

It was voted, Daniel Curtis, Jonathan Whaples, Collectors, to gather the 
minister's rate and society rate. 

It was voted, that the money overplus in our last minister's rate should 
be laid out in meeting house, by the present committee. 

It was voted, to make a rate to defray the ministerial charge of the year 
past. 

* The Committee paid the money the next day, as appears by the following 
receipt : 

"NovEMDF.R, the 22, 1726. 
" Then received of the i)arish of Newington, the sum of one hundred and sev- 
enty-five pounds, money, liy tho hand of their cominitteo chosen to receive and 
dispose of said money, namely : Deacon Whittelsey., Ca.pl. John Camp, and Mr. 
Joseph Hurlhut, which money became due to me, the subscriber, by virtue of a 
vote passed by said parish, Sejitember the first, 1726. I say received by rae. 

Simon Backus. 

The sum contiiined in the above rccei))! 1, the subscriber, promise and oblige 
myself to return unto the above said Committee, in case I don't settle in the work 
of the ministry among them. 

Simon Backus." 



It was voted, That Wednesday, the 25th of January nest ensuing to be 
the day of ordination of Mr. Simon Backus, and the day of humiliation 
to be on Wednesday the eleventh day. 

(19) It was voted to have a pound near about Caleb Androus corner, 
and Isaac Buck, Ebenezur Killburn, to take care of said work in erecting 
a .pound, and Ebenezur Killburn to be pound keeper.* 

It was also voted. That the society charge, two pounds, nine shillings, 
eight pence, should be added to our minister's rate. 

It was voted, Dea. Jabezeth Whittlesey, Ebenezur Killburn, a school 
committee. 

December 18, 1727. 

At a society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish lawfully 
assembled and' held upon the eighteenth day of December, 1727, it was 
voted and agreed as followeth, viz : 

That those men, to wit : Dea. John Deming, Samuel Hunn, Sen'r, Caleb 
Androus, did agree with Ensign Richard Borman on the account of the 
•ordination charge, we look upon that agreement to be good, and the levy 
made on that account to be good, and all those persons that are behind 
forthwith to pay their just dues. This agreement was voted. 

It was voted and agreed, That Ensign Richard Borman, Mr. Eliphalet 
Whittlesey, Joseph Hurlbut, a Committee for the year ensuing to order 
the prudentials of the society. 

It was voted. That Joseph Benton, Samuel Hunn, Ju'r, Collectors, to 
collect the minister's rate and society rate. 

It was voted and agreed, to make a rate on polls and all ratable estate 
to pay Mr. Backus according to agreement by the last of March next 
ensuing, and we agree that wheat shall go at 6s. 6d., rye at 4s. 6d., Indian 
corn at 3s. per bushel, to pay Mr. Backus' rate. 

It was voted, and agreed, to allow Jonathan Wright one pound, one 
shilling, for sweeping the meeting house, and to Jonathan Whaples eleven 
shillings ; and what money is wanting in the last rate, is to be brought to 
the present committee, and they to add it to the present society charge. 
This meeting is adjourned to the first Monday in January next. 

January 1, 1727-S. The meeting was adjourned to the first Monday 
in May next ensuing. 

May 6, 1728. 

(20) At a society meeting of Newington parish lawfully assembled 
upon the 6th day of May, 1728, it was voted and agreed as followeth : 

That whereas there is a certain piece or some part of the parsonage 
land in controversy between Abraham Woring and the Society, we agree 

* The society not only managed the pounds and probably owned them, but also 
furnished the church eiliflco for meetings of military companies, as appears by the 
following warning. The meeting house was used as a Town Hall. Its sanctity 
was not considered profaned by such uses. • 

To Ebenezur Kilborn Constable of Newington, Greeting : 

I, having received a special command from the Major Roger Woolcutt, Major 
of the County of Hartford, for a muster day of Newington parish, and also that 
part called the Beckleys. These are, therefore, in his Majesty's name, to 
require you to warn all the inroUed citizens there, that they appear on Tuesday, 
the eighteenth day of this instant October, at nine of the (clock) in the morning 
on said day, at Newington meeting house, and there to'attend on the choice of 
your officers. Hereof fail not. Dated in Wethersfield, October the 12th, 1726. 

Thomas Wells, Capt. 



40 

to leave it to the arbitration of two indifferent men, and if they cannot 
agree, the two to choose an umpire, or third man, and that the said 
Abraham Woring resign the said land to the society or to Mr. Backus at 
the time of said vote, — we vote and agree that Capt. John Camp, Ensign 
Richard Borman, IVIr. Eliphalet VVliittlesey a Committee to act in the 
Society's behalf, and are hereby impowered to choose one man, and Abra- 
ham Woring another, and to abide the award ; and this society grants a 
rate on polls and all ratable estate to defray the charge if any ariseth, and 
to pay to said Abraham Woring what the arbitrators award to him said 
Woring. 

It was voted, that Joseph Hurlbut, Ebenezur Killburn, Josiah Willard a 
Committee to examine or inspect Dea. Jabezeth ^Vhittlesey's accounts 
concerning his collectorship and committeeship about the meeting house, 
and to make return of bis disposing of the society money to the next 
meeting. 

December 16, 1728. 

(21) At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish law- 
fully assembled and held upon the IGth day of December, 1728, it was* 
voted and agreed as followeth, viz : 

It was voted and agreed that Mr. Eliphalet Whittelsey, Joseph Hurl- 
but, Jonathan Stodderd a committee for to order the prudentials of the 
society for the year ensuing. 

It was voted and agreed John Patterson, Ephraim Whaples, collectors 
to gather the minister's rate and society rate. 

It was voted and agreed that the society charge, for the year past, seven 
pounds two shillings and six pence, to be added to the minister's rate, and 
this (society) grants by vote twenty pounds to be added and gathered with 
our minister's rate ; and also to be laid out in our meeting house by the 
present committee. 

It was voted and agreed, that to pay our minister's rate, wheat (should 
be) at 6s. 6d. per bushel, rye at 4s. 6d. per bushel, Indian corn at 3s. per 
bushel. 

It was voted and agreed, to have a school as the law directs as to time, 
and Samuel Churchel, Thomas Francis, a committee for the school, and 
what the country money don't do towards defraying the charge, the rest 
shall be raised on the polls of the children that go to school. 

December 23, 1728. 

At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfidly 
assembled and held upon the 23d of December, 1 728, it was voted and 
agreed as followeth, viz : 
"it was voted and agreed to raise a rate on polls and all rateable estate to 
defray the ministerial charge arising in our society. 

It was voted and agreed that all the votes made and passed on the IGth 
day of this instant shall be good and valuable, except the choice of John 
Faterson, a collector, because he is under age ; it was voted that Joseph 
Androus should be a collector. 

It was voted and agreed to raise a rate of six pounds for Mr. Backus's 
wood, and to go on in the same method as we did for Mr. Williams. 

December 15, 1729. 

(22) At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, 
lawfully assembled a*id held upon the 15th day of December, 1729, it 
was voted and agreed as followeth, viz : 

It was voted and agreed, Joseph Hurlbut, Capt. John Camp, Ensign 



41 

Richard Borman (committee) for the year ensuing, with as full power as 
the selectmen in the towns, as to the business of our society. 

It was voted and agreed, David Wright, William Weils collectors, to 
gather our minister's rate and society rate. 

This society, by vote, grants a rate on polls and all ratable estate to de- 
fray the ministerial charge for the year past ; it was voted that wheat 
(should be) at 7s. per bushel, rye at 5s. Sd., per bushel, indian corn at 
4s. per busbel, to pay our minister's rate. 

This society, by vote, grants four pounds to be raised on polls and all 
ratable estate, to the last Committee Eliphalet Whittelsey, Joseph Hurl- 
but, Jonathan Stodderd, which they have already laid out on our meeting 
house. 

This society, by vote, grants twenty pounds to be raised on polls and all 
ratable estate, and to be laid out on our meeting house by Samuel Hunn, 
Senior and Josiah Willard, a committee appointed for that end, according 
to the best of their discretion. 

This society grants, by vote, two pounds nineteen shillings eight pence, 
to be raised on polls and all ratable estate, to defray the charge aris- 
ing by a certain arbitration between Deacon John Deming and Samuel 
Hunn, senr., in the behalf of this society, and Abraham Woring, about 
some part of the parsonage, awarded to him, said Woring, by Capt. Tho. 
Seymore and Isaac Heart, arbitrators. 

It was voted and agreed, Ebenezer Killburn and Nathaniel Churcbel a 
committee to cover the school house.* 

And we do grant four pounds, to be raised on polls and all other rat- 
able estate, and laid out on the school house by the above said committee. 

It was voted and agreed to raise eight pounds on polls and all ratable 
estate for Mr. Backus' wood, in the method we did for i^Ir. Williams. 

We do, by vote, grant to Jonathan Wright, for sweeping our meeting 
house, one pound and eight shillings, to be raised on polls and all rat- 
able estate. 

It was voted. That, whereas there is a difference between the society 
of Newington and Dea. Jabezeth Whittelsey, we do'agree by vote to leave 
said ditference to the (23) North Association of the County of Hartford, on' 
the first Thursday of February next ensuing, at the dwelling house of iMr. 
Thomas Buckingham ; and we agreed to abide their determination, pro- 
vided the above said Dea. Jabezeth Whittelsey will leave said difference 
to the North Association, and abide their determination. And the grand 
committee, Joseph Hurlbut, Capt. John Camp, and Ensign Richard Bor- 
man, to represent the society, and act in their behalf. Ebenezer Killburn, 
Josiah Willard and Samuel Hunn, sen., to act with the above said commit- 
tee. 

It was voted to begin our annual meeting at nine Of the clock in the 
morning. 

December 21, 1730. 

At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish lawfully 
assembled and held upon the 21st day of December, 1730, begun at our 
meeting house and adjourned to the house of Ephraim Whaples, by vote, 
voted and agreed : 

Capt. John Camp, Mr. Josiah Deming and Daniel Curtis, a committee 
to order the prudentials of our society for the year ensuing. 

Voted and agreed, Thomas Frances and David Hunn, collectors for the 
year ensuing. 



* This is the first mention of a school house in the records. 

6 



42 

Also voted, to raise a rate of five pence halfpenny on polls and all 
ratable estate, to pay Mr. Backus' salary for the year past. 

It was voted and agreed, to take three pounds, thirteen shillings, one 
penny, out of the twenty pounds granted last year, to be laid out in 
our meeting house, to pay what was wanting in a rate granted to the 
Rev. Mr. Simon Backus in the year 1726. 

It was voted, to pay Mr. Backus' rate, wheat at 7s. per bushel, rye at 
5s. per bushel, Indian corn at 4s. per bushel. 

We, by vote, grant ten pounds, to be raised on polls and all ratable 
estate, for Mr. Backu.s' wood, in the same method as we agreed on to 
carry it to the Rev. Mr. AVilliams, at 3s. per load. 

It was voted to release Joseph Root his rate this year. 

Voted, Joseph Benton and Caleb Androus a school committee for 
this year. 

Also voted, one pound ten shillings to Jonathan Wright for sweeping 
our meeting house, to be raised on polls and all ratable estate. 

Also voted, to adjourn this meeting until ne.\t Monday, at twelve 
of clock. 

December 20, 1731. 

At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish lawful!}' 
assembled and held upon the 20th day of December, 1731, voted and 
agreed as followeth.. viz : 

(24) Voted and agreed. Sergeant Isaac Buck, David Wright and 
John Patterson, a committee for the year ensuing. 

Voted and agreed, Thomas Stodderd and Daniel Willard, collectors. 

Also voted and granted, a rate to be raised, five pence half-penny on 
the pound, on polls and all ratable estate, to the Rev. Mr. Simon 
Backus, for his salary for the year past. 

Also voted, to raise a rate of ten i)ounds on polls and all ratable 
estate, for Mr. Backus wood, at four shillings per load, to be raised accord- 
ing to our vote January the 6th, 1 725-6. 

Also voted, one pound ten shillings to the widow Sarah Whaples, for 
sweeping our meeting house, to be raised on polls and all ratable 
estate. 

March 20, 1732. 

At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish law- 
fully assembled and htdd upon the 20th day of March, 1 73i, it was voted 
and agreed as followeth : 

It was voted and agreed to put up a prayer to the General Assembly in 
May ne.\t ensuing, for some relief under our present circumstance relating 
to our minister. 

Also voted Samuel Hunn, sen., and John Patterson, a committee to go 
to the Assembly with a prayer, and to act according to the best of their 
discretion.* 

* The committee went to the Assembly with the following prayer : 

To the Honorable General Assembly of Connecticut, in New England, holden 
at Hartford, May Iltli, A. D. 1732. 

The niomorial of Samuel Hunn, and .Joliii ratterson, agents for the iiarish of 
Newington, in liehalf ofsaid parisli, humbly showoth — 

That little more than nine years ago the said jjarish were at the cost and ex- 
pense of settling a minister amongst them, who, after a few years continuance in 
the ministry with us, was elected Rector of Yale College, and being approved of 
by your Honors, accepted said ofiBce, aiul left us, and imdertook to serve in that 



43 

Voted and agreed, That vSamuol Hunu, sen. (be a coniniittee) to treat 
with the Rev. Mr. Elisha Williams, to see if he will give sotue relief relat- 
ting to .Mr. Baekus's bonds, if we should attain to a piospect of clearing up 
the said bonds with Mr. Williams. 

Voted and agreed, To have a school as the law directs. 

Also voted, Isaac Buck and David Wright a school committee. 

Also voted, To adjourn this meeting until the last Monday in May 
nu.xt ensuing at three o'clock in the afternoon. 

December 18, 1732. 

At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, law- 
fully assembled and held upon the 18th day of December, 1732, voted and 
agreed as folio we tli : 

It was voted, John Patterson, Ebenezer Killburn and Joseph Benton, a 

office a more public benefit for the whole government, and left tlie poor parish of 
Newington, who were then l>ut about three thousand 700 pounds hi tlieir public 
list, to seek for and settle anotlier minister, the burden of wliicli was great upon 
our small parish, though favored with some relief from this Honorable Assembly, 
which was 'just about what was given by the said parish to the Rev. Mr. Wil- 
liams, which, we make bold to inform your Honors, did not make up our loss, 
because Mr. Williams, bis having a good and large estate of his own, and that 
being principally in lands in and near our parish, could and did serve us much 
cheaper in the ministry than any other would, or, indeed, could, and we being 
poor, &c., and having proceeded to settle another minister with us, and we not 
being able to purchase him a settlement, nor able to do much for him, he pur- 
chased a settlement for himself, and th.at but a small one, whereby our present 
rev'd miinster did run himself considerably into debt in the purchase aforesaid, 
whereof there remains yet unpaid about three hundred jjounds, and the time that 
it should have been paid is some considerable time agone, and our minister is un- 
able to pay that debt, neither is the parish able to pay it for him. being still poor 
and having now but about three thousand nine hundred (pounds) in the public 
list. 

And our said minister is daily exposed to be sued for the money, by reason 
whereof he informs us that he must be obliged to make sale of what he bath 
amongst us, for the payment of the debt and so leave us, if some other way be not 
found, speedily found, for the payment thereof, which would be attended with 
many inconveniences and conse(juences hurtful to our parish and threaten its dis- 
solution. 

We, therefore, pray your Honors would compassionate us under our distressed 
circumstances, and, according to your wonted goodness afford us some relief, and 
if 3'ou, in your great wisdom, think meet to grant us liberty to take out of your 
public treasury as much money as our country rates will pay in, in four years. 
And if your Honoi-s should think it not proper to do that, you would be pleased 
to grant us our country rates for four years, and although thut would not half 
pay the debt, yet we hope that with the contributions of some generously disposed 
gentlemen, and with what we shall be able to obtain in some other ways, we shall 
then be able to pay the debt, and relieve our rev'd pastor of the difficulties he js 
involved in by reason thereof, and that we may yet enjoy and be blest with the 
continuance of his ministry among us. And your memorialists, as in duty 
bound, shall ever pray. 

Dated in Newington, May 16, 1732. 

Samukl HoNN, Ugents. 
John rAXTERSoN, ) " 

In the Lower House, 

The question was put whether anything should be granted on this memorial, 
Resolved in the negative. 

Test., Jno. Rcssell, Clerk. 

In the Upper House, 

Read and concurred. 

Test., Hez. Wyllys, Secretaiy. 



44 

committee for the year ensuing to order the prudentials of our society 
according to tlieir best discretion. 

It was voted, Joshua Androus and William Smith, collectors. 

Also voted and gi-anted. To raise a rate of five pence half-penny on the 
pound on polls and all ratable estate, for the Kev. Mr. Simon Backus's 
salary for the year past. 

Also voted. To the widow Sarah Whaples, one pound ten shillings, to 
be raised on polls and all ratable estate, for sweeping our meeting house. 

(25) Also voted, To raise sixteen pounds on polls and all ratable 
estate, according to our vote January 6th, 1725-G. 

'Also voted, Each man to have four shillings per load for Mr. Backus' 
wood 

Also voted, To adjourn this meeting from our meeting house to the 
dwelling house of the widow Elizabeth Androus. 

Also voted and granted. To Joseph Hurlbut, jun., three pounds, eight 
shillings, six pence, to be raised on polls and all ratable estate. 

Also voted. To have a new seating of our meeting house. 

Also voted, Isaac Buck, Samuel Churchel and Pelatiah Buck, a com- 
mittee to seat our meeting house. 

April 30, 1733. 

At a society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfully 
assembled and held, upon the 30th day of April, 1 733, voted and agreed as 
foUoweth ; 

Voted and agreed. Captain John Camp, moderator for this meeting. 

Also voted and agreed, Samuel Hunn, sen., and Jo.seph Hurlbut, sen., 
both of Newington, a committee to order the prudentials of the parsonage 
belonging to Newington parish, to sue or dispossess any person or persons 
that has, do, or shall enter on the said parsonage as trespassers, at the 
charge of the society. 

December 17, 17SS. 

At a society (meeting) of the inhabitants of Newington parish, upon the 
17th day of December, 1733, lawfully assembled and held, voted and 
agreed as lolloweth : 

Voted and agreed, Joseph Benton, Uea. John Deming and Nathaniel 
Churchel, a committee for tbe year ensuing, with as much power as to the 
prudentials of our society, as the selectmen in the town. 

Also voted and agreed, Josiah Killburn and Pelatiah Buck, collectors to 
gather our minister and society rates. 

Voted and granted. To the Rev. IMr. Simon Backus for his salary, five 
pence half penny on the pound, to be raised on polls and all ratable 
estate. 

Also voted. To raise a half penny on the pound on polls and all ratable 
estate, to be added to Mr. Backus' salary this year. 

Also voted. To raise a rate of sixteen ])ounds on polls and all ratable 
estate for Mr. Backus' wood, and each man shall be allowed four shillings 
per load if he bring good loads. Samuel Hunn, Sen., and Eliphalet Whit- 
tlesey a Committee to inspect the loads. And our Society's committee for 
the year ensuing to appoint and warn suitable days for the carrying of 
Mr. Backus' wood, and whomsoever don't carry his proportion of wood on 
the said days appointed by the Committee, shall pay according to our vote 
January the 6th, 1725-0. " 

(26). Voted and granted. To the widow Sarah Whaples one pound, 
five shillings for sweeping our meeting house. 

Also voted, Joseph Hurlbut, twelve shillings. 



45 

Also voted, To Samuel Hunn, Sen., and Joseph Ilurlbut, Sen., the sum 
of four pounds, eleven shillinfjs six pence. 

Also voted. To Ebenczer Killburn and Joseph Benton for charges past 
sixtee n shillings : all to be raised on polls and all other ratable estate. 

March 20, 1734. 

At a society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish lawfully 
assembled and held upon the 20th day of March, 1733-4, voted and 
agreed as followeth : 

Voted and agreed, Samuel Hunn, Sen., and Joseph Hurlbut, Sen., both 
of Newington, a Committee, to order the prudentials of the ])arsonage 
belonging to Newington parish, to defend said parsonage from any person 
or persons that lias or shall illegally enter thereon, to sue or dispossess all 
such persons that shall enter thereon to cultivate or improve said land 
without liberty of our society, or of the Kev. Mr. Simon Backus, at the 
charge of the society. 

December 16, 1734. 

At a society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish lawfully 
assembled and held upon the 10th day of December, 1734, voted and 
agreed as followeth : 

Also voted, Lt. JNIartin Kellogg moderator for this meeting.* 

Also voted, To adjourn this meeting from our meeting house to the 
dwelling house of Lt. IMartin Kellogg, and there to hold our meeting.-}- 

Also voted, Nathaniel Churchel, Samuel Hunn, Sen., and Ensign Rich- 
ard Borman, a Committee -ibr the year ensuing. 

Also voted, William Androus, Collector for our minister's rate, also 
voted Ebenezer Killburn, Collector, to collect our society rate. 

Also voted and granted, To the Rev. Mr. Simon Backus, for his salary, 
one hundred poimds for this year, to be raised on polls and all other 
ratable estate. 

Also voted. To raise eighteen pounds on polls and all other ratable 
estate, for Mr. Backus' wood : and each man shall be allowed 4 s. per load, 
to be raised according to our vote and act, January the 6th, 1725-6, for the 
getting our minister's wood. 

Also voted, one pound to the widow Sarah Whaples for sweeping the 
meeting house. 

(27) Also voted. To finish the galleries in our meeting house, and lath 
and plaster the walls up to the plates and beams, and to glass the lower 
windows of our meeting house. 

Also voted. To raise fifty pounds on polls and all ratable estate to 
defray the charge of finishing our meeting house, that is to say, twenty 
and five jjounds to be raised on the present list of our society, and to be 
paid to our- Committee for that work by the last of March next ensuing, 
and twenty and five pounds to be raised on the next list, for the year 1735, 
and to be paid by the last of December next ensuing. 

Also voted. Jit. Martin Kellogg, -Jonathan Whaples and Samuel 
Churchel, a Committee to finish our meeting house. 

Also toted, Lt. Martin Kellogg and David Wright, a school committee 
for the year ensuing, also voted to keep a school two months at the north- 
ern part of our society, and four months in the middle of our society, and 
two months at the southern part of our soci- ty. 

* He was appointed a Captain by the General Assembly at their October 
Session, 1735. 

t This was probably the Williams house, which became his residence and in 
which he died Nov. 13, 1753, aged 68. 



46 

Also voted, Five pounds to the school it' it be kept according to our 
votes. 

Also voted, Ensign Richai-d Borman and Mr. Abraham AVoring to 
inspect the loads carried to Mr. Backus, and to allow lour shillings per 
load, if good loads, if not, according to their judgment, they shall allow 
each one for his load or loads. 

December IS, 173S. 

At a society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfully 
assembled and held upon the 15th day of December, 1735, voted and 
agreed as followeth : 

Voted, Capt. Martin Kellogg, moderator (or this meeting. 

Also voted, Samuel Hunn, Sen., David Wright, and David Griswould, a 
Committee to order the prudentials of our society for the year ensuing. 

Also voted, Gamaliel Borman, Collector to collect our minister's rate, 
also voted, Mr. Joseph Woodbridge, Collector to collect our society rate. 

Also voted, Caleb Androus, and Pelatiah Buck, a Committee for the 
school, also voted, Charles Hurlbut, Collector for the school. 

Also voted. That our Committee, viz : Capt. Martin Kellogg, Samuel 
Churchel, and Jonathan Whaples, shall have power to repair our meeting 
house, mend the roof, ida])boarding, and underpinning. 

(28) Also voted. That the overplus money in our last minister's rate, 
now in William Androus' hand, two pounds seventeen shillings, to be 
given to the Rev. Mr. Simon Backus. 

Also voted and granted. To Mr. Simon Backus, one hundred and twenty 
pounds, to be raised on polls and all ratable estate ibr his salary this year. 

Also voted. To raise eighteen pounds on polls and all ratable estate, 
according to our vote January the 6th, 1725-G. Each man to have tour 
shillings per load if he carries good loads. Also voted, Samuel Hunn, 
Sen. and Mr. Eliphalet Whittelsey to inspect the loads carried on the day 
appointed by our Committee. 

Also voted, To widow Sarah Whaples, one pound ten shillings : also 
voted, to Mr. Elisha Mi.x, one pound : all to be raised on polls and all other 
ratable estate. 

December 20, 1736. 

At a society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfully 
assembled and held upon the 20th day of December, 1 736, voted and agreed 
as followeth : 

Voted and agreed, Capt. Martin Kellogg, moderator for this meeting. 

Also voted, Joseph Hurlbut, Sen., John Patterson, Sen. and Caleb 
Androus, a Committee to order the prudentials of our society for the year 
ensuin'f, with as much power as the select men in the town. 

Also voted, Jabezeth Whittlesey, Jun., Collector to collect our minister's 
rate and society rate. 

Also voted and granted, To the Rev. Mr. Simon Backus, to raise a rate 
of sixpence on the pound on polls and all ratable estate, for his salary for 
this year. 

Also voted, Joseph Hurlbut, Sen., Caleb Androus, and .John Patterson, 
rate-makers for this year. 

Also voted. To raise a rate of three fiirthings on the pound, on polls 
and all ratable estate to defray the charge already arisen in our meeting 
house, and for glass, and for mending the roof of our meeting house. 

Voted, to raise eighteen pounds on polls and all ratable estate for Sir. 
Backus' wood, and each man shall have four shillings per load, to be raised 
according to our vote January the 6th, 1725-6. 



47 

Also voted, To seat our meeting house : also voted, Lt. Epliraim Deming 
Capt. Martin Kellogg and David Curtis, a Committee to seat our meeting 
house. 

(29) Also voted, To Caleb Aadrous one pound ten shillings for 
sweeping our meeting house. 

Voted, To Ephraim Whaples three shillings six pence. 

Voted, To Charles Hurlbut three shillings six pence. 

Voted, To Jonathan Whaples three shillings. 

Also voted, to erect a new pound in the place where the pound, . 

Also voted, Pelatiah Buck, Charles Hurlbut, and Robert Wells, a Com- 
mitter for the school. 

Also voted and agreed, Dea. Jabezeth Whittelsey, Lt. Richard Borman, 
a Committee in behalf of our society, to act with the Rev. Mr. Simon 
Backus about that part of our parsonage that is not yet fenced, to let out 
said land to such person or persons as shall fence said land, as they shall 
think fit until the fence be paid for. 

December 19, 1737. 

At a society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfully 
assembled and held upon the 19th day of December, 1737, voted and 
agreed as foUoweth : 

Also voted, Capt. Martin Kellogg moderator for this meeting. 

Also voted, Lt. Ephraim Deming, James Francis and Ebenezer Smith, 
a Committee for the year ensuing, to order the prudentials of our society. 

Also voted, That our Committee, Lt. Ephraim Deming, Mr. James 
Francis and Ebenezer Smith, (be) rate-makers for the year ensuing. 

Also voted, Joseph Deming, Collector, to collect our minister and society 
rates. 

Also voted and granted, one hundred and thirty pounds to be raised on 
polls and all ratable estate lor the Rev. Mr. Simon Backus' salary for the 
year past. 

Also voted, Jonathan Whaples, Joshua Androus, a Committee for (he 
school, for the year ensuing. 

Also voted and granted, Twenty-two pounds for Mr. Backus' wood, to be 
raised on polls and all ratable estate, according to our act in the vear 
1726, and each man shall be allowed four shillings per load. ' 

Also voted. That our Committee for the time being shall watch on (?) 
the loads or part of loads that are carried to Mr. Backus, and said Com- 
mittee shall appoint three several days for carrying said wood, between 
this time and the (30) first of March next ensuing, and whosoever doth 
not carry his proportion of wood by the first of March, shall pav their 
wood rate in money, and to be collected by the Collector. 

Also voted. Seven pounds ten shillings for the school. 

Also voted and granted. To raise a rate of three i'arthings on the pound, 
on polls and all ratable estate, to defray our society charges. 

December 18, 1738. 

At a society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfullv 
assembled and held upon the 18th day of December, 1738, voted and 
agreed as followeth, viz : 

Voted and agreed, Capt. Martin Kellogg, moderator for this meeting. 

Also voted, Ebenezer Smith, Thomas Francis and Mr. Josiah Deming, 
a Committee for the year ensuing, to order the prudentials of our society. 

Also voted, John Gillit, Collector, to collect our minister's rate and 
society rate. 

Also voted. That our Committee, Ebenezer Smith, Thomas Francis, and 
Mr. Josiah Deming shall be ratemakers for the year ensuing. 



48 

Also voted, Mr. James Francis, Pelatiali Buck, and David Wright a 
school committee, and said David Wright a school collector. 

Also voted and granted, One pound ten shillings to Caleb Androus for 
sweeping our meeting house. , 

Voted and granted, 4s. 6d. to Ephraim Deniing, four shillings to Joseph 
Deming, for service done. 

Also voted, To raise twenty pounds on polls and all ratable estate for 
Mr. Backus' wood, and each man to be allowed four shillings per load, and 
our Committee to act according as we voted ]3ecember the 19th, 1737. 

Also voted and granted. To the Rev. Mr. Simon Backus, for his salary 
for till- year past, ninety pounds, to be paid in grain at the price that "rain 
went at on the first of March, that year that ninety pounds became due to 
him, said Backus, by our contract or covenant in his first settling with us. 

Also voted, That the Rev. Mr. Backus, Mr. Josiah Deming, Ebenezer 
Smith and Thomas Francis, that tbey search and fiml out what the price 
of grain was on the first of March, the year above referred to. 

(31) Also voted, To raise a half iiirthing on the pound on polls and 
all ratable estate to defray our society charges. 

Also voted, To give or disoliarge the widow Beccraft (?) of her two 
last society rates. 

Also voted and granted, To the Rev. JSIr. Simon Backus 8s. .5d. already 
in his hands. 

December 17, 1789. 

At a society meeting of the inhabitants of Newinglon parish upon the 
seventeenth day of December, 1739, voted and agreed as tblloweth : 

Capt. John Camp, moderator for this meeting. 

Also voted, Thomas Francis, Caleb Androus and Josiah Killburn, a 
Committee for the year ensuing to order the prudentials of our society. 

Also voted, Abraham Woring, Jun., Collector to collect our minister's 
rate and society rate. 

Also voted and granted, To the Rev. Sir. Simon Backus, for his salary 
for the year past, one hundred and fijrty pounds, to be raised on polls and 
all ratable estate, to be paid in money or grain at the market f)ricc. 

Also voted. That the fourteen loads ol' wood already carried to Mr. 
BacUu«, shall be allowed an<l paid, (bur shillings per load to them that 
carried it. 

Also voted and granted, To our last committee, Josiah Deniing, Thomas 
Francis, and Ebenezer Smith, three pounds, eight shillings, two pence. 

Also voted. To raise two farthings on the pound on polls and all ratable 
estate, to pay charges past, and for repairing our meeting house, and for 
making two horse blocks ; to be done by our grand Committee. 

Also voted, James Francis, David Wright, and Joseph Benton, a school 
committee, also Joseph Benton, Collector, to collect our school money. 

Also voted, To hold gur school, some part of the time, at the north end 
of our society, at some convenient place. 

Also voted, That for the future our annual meeting bo held on the first 
Monday in December, beginning at ten of the clock in the morning. 

December 1, 1740. 

(32) At a society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, 
lawfully assembled an<l held upon the first day of December, I 740, voted 
and agreed as followeth, viz : 

Voted and agreed, Dea. Jabe/.cth Whittelsey, moderator for this 
meeting. 

Also voted, Mr. Joseph Woodbridge, Ensign John Patterson and 



4ft 

Abraham Woriiii^, a Committee for to order the prudentials of our society 
for the year ensuing, and also rale-makei-s for the year ensuing. 

Also voted, John Camp, Jun., Collector, for to collect our minister and 
society rate. 

Also voted, granted, one hundred and fifty pounds, to be raised on polls 
and all other ratable estate for Mr. Simon Backus' salary for the year 
past. 

Also voted, Twenty pounds to be raised on polls and all ratable estate, 
for Mr. Backus' wood, ami each man shall have five shillings per load. 

Also voted. That our Committee set each man his part or proportion of 
wood, and appoint suitable time or times for carrying said wood, every 
man neglecting or refusing shall pay the money. Also voted, That our 
Collector shall gather said money of such person or persons that neglect 
or refuse. 

Also our Committee for the time being, shall inspect every man's load, 
and allow him five shillings for a good load, and so in proportion for a 
lesser quantity. 

Also voted. To raise two farthings on the pound on polls and all ratable 
estate, to defray the charge of a school, as the law directs, and other 
society charge of the year past. 

Also voted, Jlr. James Francis, Ensign John Patterson, Joseph Benton, 
John Gillit and Samuel Churchel, a Committee for the school. 

Also voted. To have a school kept in our society six months as the law 
directs, to be kept at the south end of our society, and in the middle, and 
at the north end, and at west side of our society : and each part to have 
their proportion of time and money. 

Also voted, To erect a pound at or near Reuben Whaples' barn in our 
society. 

(3:i) AIs^o voted, Abraham Woring, Sen., Joseph Hurlbut, Sen., a 
Committee to erect a pound in said place. Also voted, Reuben Whaples 
pound keeper. 

October 12, 1741. 

At a society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfully 
assembled and held upon the twelfth day of October, 1 741, voted and 
agreed as foUoweth : 

Voted :ind agreed, Capt. Martin Kellogg, moderator for this meeting. 

Also voted, Twenty-five loads of wood to be forthwith carried to the 
Rev. Mr. Backus, and the charge of said wood at five shillings per load to 
be defrayed by our society. 

.». Also voted, Capt. Martin Kellogg, Lt. Ephraim Deming, Capt. John 
Camp, Josiah Killburn and John Gillit, a Committee to treat with the 
Rev. Mr. Simon Backus, relating to his wood : either to get it by the cord 
or for some certain sum of money, as may be sufficient. 

Decennber 7, 1741. 

At a society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish lawfully 
assembled and held upon the seventh of December, 1741, voted and 
agreed as followeth : 

Voted and agreed, Joseph Hurlbut, moderator for this meeting. 

Also voted, Lt. John Patterson, Mr. Joseph Hurlbut, Sen., and Zebulon 
Robbins, a Committee for the year ensuing, to order the prudentials of our 
society. 

Also voted, Gideon Hunn, a Collector to gather our minister rate and 
society rate. 

Also voted and granted, one hundred and sixty pounds, to be raised on 
polls aud all ratable estate, tor Mr. Backus' salary for the year past. 
7 



50 

Also voted and grauted, Twenty-ibur pounds to be raised on polls and 
all ratable estate for Mr. Backus' wood, and each man that carries wood 
to Mr. Backus, shall be allowed for a good load of wood, six shillings per 
load, and for lesser quantity in proportion, and our Committee for the time 
being, to inspect the loads, or part of loads so- carried, and to allow in 
proportion of what we carry, and said Committee to appoint fa) suitable 
day for carrying said wood. 

(34) Also voted ami granted, To Ebenezer Killburn, one pound ten 
shillings. 

Also voted and granted. Seven pounds twelve shillings to Capt. Martin 
Kellogg, for keeping school. 

Also voted, Samuel Churchel, Joseph Benttjn, and Josiah Killburn, a 
Committee for the school * 

December 3, 1744. 

(35) At a meeting of the inhabitants of the society of Newington, 
legally assembled and held on the 3d day of December, 1 744. 

At said meeting, Peletiah Buck, David \\'right and William Smith 
were chosen a society's committee for the year ensuing. 

At said meeting, Robert Wells was chosen clerk lor this society and 
sworn. 

At said meeting, Oliver Atwood was chosen collector for the (year) 
ensuing to collect the rates. 

At said meeting. They agreed to give to the Rev. Mr. Simon Backus tor 
his salary lor the year past, one hundred and ninety pounds, old tenor. 

At said meeting, It was agreed that the school should be divided into 
four parts for the year ensuing. 

At said meeting, ii was voted, That the west side people have a reason- 
able allowance in respect of the school for the time past. 

At said meeting, They voted ten pounds for the school. 

At said meeting, Lieut. John Paterson and Sergeant Ebben" Smith 
were chosen a committee to get the country money ii-om Farmington. 

At said meeting, it was voted, To Mr. Backus fifty pounds money, old 
tenor, for his fire-wood this present year; and any man hath liberty to 
pay his proportional pai-t of said fifty pounds in green oak or walnut wood, 
corded up at Mr. Backus's door at or before the first day of February next, 
at 25 (?) shillings per cord. 

At said meeting, Josiah Killburn, John Camp and Eliphelet Whittlesey 
be a school committee for the year ensuing. 

At said meeting, voted. Thirty shillings for Sergt. Caleb Aiulrous for 
sweeping the meeting-house the year past. 

At said meeting, voted. That James Francis have seven shillings for a 
load of wood. 

At said meeting, voted. That the meeting should be liissnlveil.t 

During tlie reign of King George II over Great Britain, 
extending from 1727 to 1760, a general European war broke 
out relating to the succession to the throne of Austria, made 
vacant by the death of the Austrian emperor, Charles VI. 
The succession of the eldest daughter of Cliarles, Marie 

* All the preceding records are in the hand writin-j of Josiah Willard, Clerk 
of the Society, from its heginning to tliis time. For the next two years, 1742, 
and 1743, there are no records e.xtant. 

t There are uo records for the years 1745 and 1746. 



51 

Theresa, had been guaranteed by a general treaty called the 
"Pragmatic Sanction;" yet on the death of the emperor, 
numerous competitors arose for diffei'cnt portions of his do- 
minions. This involved Europe in the war of the " Austrian 
Succession," called, in relatio:i to the operations in this 
country, " King George's War." 

England and France were arrayed upon opposite sides, and 
so far as they were concerned, the war lasted from 1744 to 
1748. The most important event of the war in America 
was the siege and capture, by tlie colonies, of Louisburg, a 
French fortress on the south-east side of the island of Cape 
Breton, separated from Nova Scotia by the narrow channel of 
Canseau. It was strongly fortified, and was justly regarded 
by France as the Gibraltar of her American possessions- 
The expedition against Louisburg was projected in the winter 
of 1744-5, in Boston, by Gov. William Shirley. He proposed 
the plan to the colonial legislature of Massachusetts, then iu 
session in Boston, who had previously bound themselves to 
secrecy. After a good deal of opposition, it was resolved by 
the assembly, by one majority, to undertake the expedition. 
Despatches were at once sent to the neighboring colonies to 
join and assist the enterprise. 

" Massachusetts and New Hampshire sent 3,250 land forces 
into the service, with what ships of force they had, and 
needful transports. Connecticut sent 500 land forces, in 
transports, with Capt. Prentis in the Defense, sloop, with 100 
men for the sea service. Rhode Island sent Capt. Fones in 
the Tartar, with 90 men. Gov. Clinton sent 10 eighteen 
pounders from New York."* 

The Connecticut forces sailed from the Harbor of New 
London, and arrived at Canseau (or Canso) April 25th, 1745, 
where they united with the other forces. On April 29th, 
the fleet sailed for Cape Breton, and arrived the next day at 
Chapeaurouge Bay.f The enemy discovered the transports 



*1 Conn. Hist. Soc. Col., 149-50. See also, Trumbull's Hist, of Conn. 

t'' April 14, 1745. Sunday, about eleven of the clock, the Connecticut fleet, 
consisting of seven transports under the convoy of Connecticut and Khode 
Island colony sloops, sailed from New London." — Rev. Adouijah Bidwell's 
Journal. (27 N. E. His. and Gen. Reg., 153. April, 1873.) 

It appears that Mr. Bidwell, who went as chaplain to the fleet, heard Rev. Mr. 
Williams preach at Louisburg, June 21st, 1745, from John 20:31 ; Aug. 21st, 
from Ps. 8:4; and Sept. I5th, from Numb. 14 : 17 



52 

from the town, which was the first intimation tiiey had of the 
design against them. The forces were landed, and after a 
siege wliich lasted till June 17th, 1745, the city of Louisbiirg 
and the island of Cape Breton were surrendered to the New 
England forces. After the object of the expedition had thus 
been attained, the fort had to be garrisoned. Connecticut 
kept 350 men there till about May 2-lth, 17-16, when they 
were relieved by government forces. It was held by England 
till, by the treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, Oct. 18th, 1748, all 
conquests made by both parties were mutually restored, and 
Louisburg again went into the possession of the French. 
Great sickness and mortality prevailed among the troops in 
garrison during tlie winter following the capture of Louisburg. 

Rev. Simon Backus was the chaplain to the Connecticut 
forces at that time. Rev. Elisha Williams had been appointed 
chaplain in March, 1745.* He had probably resigned in 
August, 1745, as in that month the General Assembly passed a 
resolution desiring him to continue in that position. He did 
not, however, comply with their wishes, for in October, 1745, 
the Assembly passed the following resolution : " Resolved 
by this Assembly, tliat his Honor, the Governor, with the 
council of war at Milford, be impowered, and tlicy are hereby 
impowered to supply our forces in garrison at Louisburg with 
a chaplain if need be." 

They appointed Mr. Backus, probably soon after. He 
went to Louisburg and there, after closing the eyes of many 
a son of Connecticut in death, he himself fell a victim to the 
prevailing sickness, and died March 15th, 1745-6. f 

The parish of Newington was peculiarly unfortunate. It 
had given up its first pastor to serve the public benefit ; now 
it had lost its second pastor wliile serving in a cause equally 
for the public good. Mr. Backus left a widow and a family 
of children, who had been dependent upon him for their sup- 
port. In their straitened circumstances, they considered that 
they had a claim on the colony for relief. A claim which is 
generally recognized by all nations in granting pensions to 

*In Feb., 1745, dipt. Martin Kullogj; was appointed one of the captains "in 
the e.xpeilition against Cape Breton." — State Arclnves, War, IV, 164. 
tl Conn. Hist. Soc, Col., p. 162. 



53 

the widows and orphans of those who have died in their 
country's service while " in the line of their duty." 

Mrs. Backus presented the following petition to the General 
Assembly : 

To the Honorable, the General Assembly of the Colony of 
Connecticut, now convened and sitting" in Hartford, in said 
Colony, this eighth day of May, Anno Domini, 1746 : 

The memorial of Eunice Backus, of the parish of Newing- 
ton, in the County of Hartford, humbly sheweth. That her 
late husband, the Rev. Mr. Backus, in compliance with public 
desire and order, was induced to leave his family and minis- 
terial charge at Newington,and to repair to Louisburg, there 
to reside in quality of a chaplain to the troops from tliis 
Colony in garrison there : That not long after his arrival 
there, it pleased God so to dispose that he, in the general mor- 
tality, was carried to the place of silence : That what he 
carried and had, and left at Louisburg, to the amount of 
about £300, in clothing, money, etc., being on liis decease 
shipped for transportation home, is since unquestionably lost, 
either in the seas or taken by the enemy : That over and 
above his annual salary, the small estate he left, or the 
utmost profit thereof, will go Ijut a little way towards a sul)- 
sistence for your poor memorialist and her seven (mostly) 
small children : That of her and family, chief comfort and, 
under God, principal dependence and support, in the prime 
and flower of his day for usefulness, she being so sorely 
bereaved, and that for the more public and common good: 
She thereupon humbly prays your Honors' kind and compas- 
sionate interposal in the premises in manner in any wise 
tending to her relief, and she, your Honors' poor, distressed 
memorialist, as in duty bound, shall ever pray, etc. Dated 
at Newington, this eighth day of May, Anno Domini. 1746. 

Eunice Backus. 

The General Assembly were not deaf to her prayer. They 
passed the following resolution : 

Upon the memorial of Mrs. Eunice Backus, respecting 
the decease of her husband, tlie Rev. Mr. Simon Backus, 
residing at Louisburg in quality of chaplain, etc., and the 
distressed state of her family thereupon, etc., and praying 
relief : 

Resolved by this Assembly, That the memorialist have 
granted to her for her and her family's present subsistence, 
to be paid out of the public treasury of this Colony, the sum 
of one hundred pounds, in old tenor bills. And that tlie 
further consideration of her said memorial be referred to the 



54 

session of the General Assembly at New Haven, to be holden 
in October next. 

At the October session the Assembly made an additional 
appropriation for her benefit as follows : 

Upon the memorial of Mrs. Eunice Backus, of the parish 
of Newington, representing the grievous circumstances of 
herself and family, which hath happened by occasion of the 
death of her husband, tlie Rev. Mr. Simon Backus, who 
lately deceased, while in the service of tiiis government at 
Louisburg, and particularly the loss of a considerable part of 
his estate, that happened thereby. And praying for relief, &c. 

Resolved by this Assembly — That the memorialist shall 
receive out of the public treasury of this colony tiie sum of 
two hundred pounds, in bills of credit of the old tenor, over 
and above the hundred pounds granted to her by this 
Assembly in May last. 

The expedition for the capture of Louisburg had been 
successful beyond all anticipations. Its conquest was rever- 
ently attributed Ijy some to the special favor of an overruling 
Providence, while others looked upon its incidents as touched 
with the hues of romance and adventure. "The acquisition 
was hailed with general joy in New England, saddened, it is 
true, by the remembrance of the brave and precious ones who 
came not back with their comrades, but had been " carried to 
the place of silence." Soldier and chaplain slept together. 
Mrs. Backus was not alone in her distress at that time. Her 
experience has often been paralleled before and since. The 
fathers, and husbands, and sons who march to the cannon's 
mouth and die nobly for their country are not the only 
heroes. The bereaved mothers, and wives, and daughters 
who, for long years after, struggle at home and in obscurity 
in the unequal battle against unpropitious circumstances, 
exhibit a heroism more enduring and a courage more severely 
tested. He who dies upon the battle field may feel in his 
heart that it is sweet to die for his country, but it is bitterness 
to his widow, who has his family of children to rear single- 
handed and alone. The death of the former is heralded 
abroad, and his memory is cherished by his grateful country- 
men ; the toils and trials of the other are unknown to fame, 
and only known to Him who knows all things, and who will 
at last bring all things into remembrance. 



55 



THIRD PERIOD, 1747-lSOS. 

The death of Rev. Simon Backus, at Cape Breton, on 
March 15, 1746, as already related, made it necessary for the 
parish to settle another minister. Rev. Joshua Belden began 
to preach May 10, 1747, if not earlier, and proved acceptable 
to the people. On June 15, 1747, the society voted to give 
him a call to settle as pastor over the parish, with a settle- 
ment of nine hundred pounds, and a salary of two hundred 
and fifty pounds, old tenor, a year.* These sums were 
increased at a meeting held August 18, 1747, when it was 
agreed to make his settlement one thousand pounds, payable 
in three annual installments, and to add fifty-seven pounds to 
his yearly salary, payable in grain or its equivalent. 

Mr. Belden accepted these terras, and was ordained 
November 11, 1747, and continued pastor till January 16, 
1805, over fifty-seven years. The society felt that it would 
be a great burden for tliem to pay Mr. Belden his settlement, 
and as it had come upon them on account of the death of Mr. 
Backus in the piiblic service, whom the society had given up 
at the call of the General Assembly, it was not doubted that 
the Assembly would "stretch fortli a hand for their relief" 
upon a proper representation of the facts being made to them. 

*These sums, apparently large, were really moderate. Currency at this time 
was greatly depreciated, and its value very uncertain and fluctuiUinK'. Current 
coin was worth eight shillings per ounce. It was by this standard that bills of 
credit were compared. In 1710 bills were at par. In 1721 it took twelve shil- 
lings in currency to buy an ounce of silver; in 1724 fifteen shillings, in 1732 
eighteen shillings, in 1739 twenty-six shillings, in 17+2 twenty-eight shillings, in 
1744 thirty-two shillings. The bills of credit issued up to this time were all old 
tenor, but by " King George's War" the people were put to great expense, and in 
the depreciated condition of their bills tliey resorted to a new issue of currency, 
called new tenor. Connecticut emitted, in IWay, 1744, £4.000; in October, 1744, 
£l.'i,000; in March, 1745, £20,000; in July, 1745, £20,000; in JMay, 1746, 
£20,000. These new issues had a disastrous effect. They damaged the old 
emissions, but did not sink so low as the latter, one shilling new tenor being 
equal to three shillings and sixpence old tenor. Accounts were, however, kept 
and payments made in old tenor. After this inflation the depreciation was about 
as follows: In 1745 it took thirty-five shilling.^ in currency to buy an ounce of 
silver; in 1746,7 and S, thirty-seven to forty shillings; in 1749, 1750, 1751, 
1752, sixty shillings. The British Parliament appropriated in 1747 about 
£800,000 to reimburse the colonies for their expenses in the Louisburg expedi- 
tion. Of this sura Connecticut received about £:it<,S64. Connecticut used ihis 
money in redeeming her bills of credit, which was accomplished by 1756. She 
redeemed them at the market price, paying one ounce of silver for fifty-eight 
shillings and eight pence in paper, or at the rate of one shilling for eight shillings 
and ten pence. {These facts are taken from Branson's Conn. Currency. ) 



56 

Accordingly, at a meeting held Septemlier 7, 1747. Mr. 
Josiali Deming was appointed an agent to exhibit a memorial 
to the Assemljly, " to request some consideration for the loss 
of our minister, who died in their service at Cape Breton 
some time past." 

Mr. Deming presented the following memorial : 
To the Honorable General Assembly of the Colony of Con- 
necticut, holden at Hartford on the second Thursday of 

May, A. D. 1748. 

The memorial of the inhaiiitants of tlie parish of Newing- 
ton, by their agent, Josiali Deming, humbly sheweth — 

That whereas our late reverend pastor, Mr. Simon Backus, 
vv'as called by public authority to serve, as a chaplain, the 
forces of this Government employed at Louisburg for the 
defence thereof, and we, in obedience thereto, did consent to 
his undertaking so dangerous a service, entirely relying on 
the justice, honor, and goodness of the General Assembly, at 
whose call we understood our said pastor was willing to serve 
their forces, in which service he lost his life and we our 
minister, whereijy a great burden is rolled upon us, that of 
the settlement of another minister, in whicii, through the 
good providence of God, we are happily agreed ; yet, being 
but a small and poor society, we find ourselves greatly bur- 
dened in our paying the settlement of our present minister, 
and believing this iionorable assembly is really interested in 
our case, as we have resigned into their hands at their call so 
great a good, we cannot suffer ourselves to doubt of their 
stretching forth a hand to our relief, and since we understand 
the British Parliament has voted a reimbursement of the 
charges this colony lias been at in reducing and keeping 
Louisburg, we are the more encouraged at this time to lay 
our case before this honorable assembly, and to beseech their 
compassion that they would afford us relief and help in the 
settlement of our present minister, and alleviate our burden 
in such manner as your honors shall see fit. And your peti- 
tioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray. Dated at Hartford 
the 12th day of May, 1748. 

JOSIAH DEMING, Agent. 

The General Assembly did not disappoint the hopes of the 
society, but recognised their obligation to Newington by the 
following resolution : 

Upon the memorial of the inhabitants of the parish of 
Newington, representing that the reverend Mr. Backus, their 
late minister, having been called by public authority to serve 



57 

as chaplain at Louisburg, after having been there some con- 
siderable time, died in said service, to their great and 
iinliappy loss, and praying relief, itc. 

Resolved by this Assembli/, That the sum of one hundred and 
fifty pounds, in bills of credit of the old tenor, be paid and 
delivered to the memorialists, out of the public treasury of 
this colony. 

This money the society approjiriated to the payment in 
part of the first installment of Mr. Bolden's settlement. This 
relief from the public treasury was, in a few years, more than 
counterbalanced by the permanent loss to the society of their 
Parmington neighbors, who had formerly been annexed to 
them in compensation for the loss of the Beckleys, as has 
been detailed. 

In October, 1753, the parish of Kensington, being greatly 
divided in sentiment as to the propriety of continuing as one 
parish, or of being divided into several parishes, sent a 
memorial to the General Assembly requesting that a com- 
mittee might be appointed by that body to hear all parties 
and determine what was best, and make report to the 
Assembly. This memorial was signed by John Hooker and 
Isaac Lee, as society agents. 

The Assembly granted the prayer of the memorial, and 
appointed Jonathan Trumbull, .Shubael Conant, and Jonathan 
Huntington a committee for the service mentioned, and if 
this committee should think it liest that Kensington should 
be divided into several parishes, they were authorized to give 
notice to the adjacent parishes to appoint committees to 
appear and be heard before them, as to the propriety of 
adding any portion of the adjacent parishes to any of the 
proposed parishes in Kensington, and they were instructed to 
make report of their doings to the Assembly at that October 
session, or the one to be held in May, 1754:. The committee 
attended to the duties of their appointment, and caused a 
society meeting to be called to meet at Kensington, Nov. 27, 
1753, when 96 of the jnembers of that parish were for con- 
tinuing in one society, and 81 favored a division. For the 
two following days the committee viewed the society, and 
then adjourned to the 3d Tuesday of April, 1754, and gave 



58 

notice to the people of Newingtoii, and first parish of Farm- 
ington, and first society in Middletown, and the parish of 
Meriden, to appear by their committees at said meeting in 
Kensington, " to show reasons, if tliey see cause, why there 
should not be some part of their adjoining parishes taken off 
from them to be added to the parish of Kensington, to 
accommodate the dividing the parisli of Kensington into 
several parishes." All tiie parties met, except the parish of 
Meriden, and were fully heard on the day appointed. The 
committee judged it best and " most for the peace of the 
said parish of Kensington," that it should be divided into 
three distinct parishes, with some additions from other 
societies. They made report May 16, 1754, to the General 
Assembly, of their doings, and of the conclusion to which 
they had arrived, giving tlie boundaries of the three proposed 
societies. By tliese boundaries Newingtou was stripped of 
the addition formerly made to its territory by the annexation 
of a part of Farmington. Tiie society, at a meeting held 
May 3, 1754, appointed Ebenezer Kilborn and Bavil Seymour 
a committee to appear before the Assembly and remonstrg,te 
against the acceptance of this repoi't of their committee, on 
the ground of the liardship it would be to Newington to lose 
so many of its inhabitants, " but nevertheless if they must bo 
taken from us we beg tlie favor of the honorable Assembly 
that we may have an equivalency made us." The committee 
did not succeed in preventing the taking away of these 
inhabitants, and of the annexed territory, but they gained 
some " equivalency " therefor. A remonstrance was also 
presented to the Assembly May 9, 1754, by 56 persons in 
Kensington, and nine from that part of Farmington annexed 
to Newington, protesting against the acceptance of the com- 
mittee's report, and professing their desire to continue in 
their present situation. 

The General Assembly accepted the report, with material 
alterations, confirming to Kensington the Beckley quarter, in 
consideration of sixty pounds being paid Newington in three 
annual installments of twenty pounds each, lawful money,* 

*Probal)ly pounds sterling, and not bills of ercdit. This money was called the 
" Kensington consideration." 



59 

and establishing the societj' of New Britain, including that 
part of Farmington formerly annexed to Newington, as 
appears by the following act : — - 

An Act limiting the bounds of the parish of Kensington, and 
for establishing one otlier Ecclesiastical Society in Farm- 
ington, in the County of Hartford. 

Be it enacted hy the. Governor, Council, and Representatives 
in General Court assembled, and hy the authority of the same, 
That the bounds of the parish of Kensington, for the future, 
sliall extend no fartlier nortli than to an east and west line 
drawn across the bridge called Beach Swamp Bridge, from 
Weathcrsfield town line to Southington parish line. Easterly 
by the ancient line of said Kensington, including tliose two 
pieces of land talten off from Weathersfield and Middletown, 
and from the southwest corner of the said Middletown part 
of said Kensington to run westerly until it comes into the 
middle of the highways, where they cross each other, between 
the houses of Elisha Cole and Stephen Cole, from thence 
westerly until it comes to the southwest corner of John Cole's 
home lot ; from thence due west to said Southington Society 
line, tlience nortlierly as that line runs, to the line first 
mentioned. And that tlie parish taxes arising, or that sliall 
be levied on, the improved lands in said Kensington, shall be 
paid to said society only. xVnd it is further enacted by the 
authority aforesaid, that said parish of Kensington shall have 
full power, and full power and authority is hereby granted to 
said parish,- at their legal meetings, to tax all such inhabit- 
ants as live south of said society, and within the ancient 
bounds of Kensington, equally with themselves for defraying 
the charge of preaching only, and that tlieir collectors have 
full power to collect the same, until this Assembly shall order 
otlierwise. And it is further enacted by the authority afore- 
said. That the said society of Kensington, exclusive of those 
inhabitants that live in the Weathersfield part, shall pay to 
the society of Newington the sum of twenty pounds, lawful 
money, on the first day of May, A. D. 1755, and twenty 
pounds more on the first day of May, A. D. 1756, and twenty 
pounds more on the first day of May, A. D. 1757. Eacli 
payment to be made with the lawful interest arising on such 
sum from the first day of June next. And said society of 
Kensington, exclusive of the said Weathersfield part, shall 
have full power, at their legal meetings, to tax themselves 
for the payment of the said sixty pounds and tlie interest 
thereof. And that the said society committee make a rate 
accordingly, and that the collector, chosen in said society, 



60 

shall have full power to collect the same as otlier society 
rates by law are collected, and pay the same to the society 
committee for the use aforesaid. And that the inhabitants 
living south of said parish of Kensington shall have free 
lilierty to attend the pul)]ic worship with the said society of 
Kensington till this Assembly shall order otherwise. 

And it is further enacted In/ the authority aforesaid. That 
there shall be one other ecclesiastical society erected and 
made, and is hereliy erected and made, within the bounds of 
the town of Farmington, liounded and described as foUoweth, 
viz. : South on the north bounds of Kensington parish, 
easterly on Weathersfield town line, as far north as the north 
side of Daniel Hart's lot, where his dwelling 'house now 
stands, and from thence to run west on tiie north side of said 
Hart's lot to the west end of that tier of lots ; from thence to 
run southerly to tlie old Fulling mill, so called, on Pond river, 
and from thence southerly to the east side of a lot of laiid 
belonging to the heirs of Timothy Hart, late deceased, near 
Bare Hollow, and from thence due south until it meet with 
the north line of Southington parish ; thence by said South- 
ington line, as that runs, until it comes to Kensington north 
line, excluding Thomas Stanley, Daniel Hart and John Clark 
and tlieir farms, on which they now dwell, lying within the 
bounds above described. And the same is hereliy erected 
and made one distinct ecclesiastical society, and shall be 
known by the name of New Briton, with all the powers and 
privileges that other ecclesiastical societies by law have in 
this colony, and that all the improved lands in said society 
shall be rated in said society, excepting as before excepted. 

By this act Newington was circumscribed within her 
original limits, as first chartered, on all sides except the 
south, and there she was permanently curtailed of tiie Beck- 
leys. She was left with less territory than ever before in her 
history, and thus remained till she was incorporated a town 
in 1871, when she gained some addition to her limits on the 
east. 

This particular territory of the Beckleys was incori)orated 
as a school district in October, 1757. In October, 1772, the 
parish of Kensington was divided into two societies, an east 
and west society, the west society retaining the name of 
Kensington, and the east being called Worthington. This 
territory was included in Worthington. In May, 1785, the 
town of Berlin was incorporated, including th.e society of 



61 

Worthing'ton, and of course this territoiy, wliere it has since 
remained. 

During the long pastorate of Mr. Bolden great changes 
took place, not only in the parish but in the colony. A few 
of these may be here mentioned. In the parish a new meet- 
ing-house was built in 1797, after a long controversy. The 
society was divided into three school districts in 1783, and 
new school houses were built. In May, 1795, the General 
Assembly passed an act appropriating the money arising from 
the sale of the western lands, amounting to $1,200,000, by 
which act a distinct cajiacity was recognized in ecclesiastical 
societies as relative to the objects of schooling, and for the 
purpose of receiving and applying the avails of the school 
fund deiived from the source aljove mentioned. And the 
ecclesiastical societies were denominated school societies, so far 
forth as schools were concerned. (Rev. Stat, of 1808, pp. 
43-44.) So that school societies were, so to speak, carved 
out of ecclesiastical societies. This explains the reason why 
the subject of schools is not mentioned in our ecclesiastical 
society records after 1796. The Newington School Society 
probably was then organized, and went into operation. 

In May, 1794, Enock Kelsey and others petitioned the 
General Assembly to annex to the society of Worthington a 
certain portion of the adjacent territory of Newington. That 
body granted the petition, and provided that this territory 
should be annexed to Worthington " for parochial purpose 
merely, and shall hereafter be holileii and considered as part 
and parcel of said parish of Worthington." (1 Pri. Laws of 
Conn., 561.) By reason of tliis annexation this teri-itory 
became, by force of laws afterwards passed, a portion of the 
Worthington School society. And as school societies were 
authorized by law to divide their territory into school dis- 
tricts, the school society of Worthington apportioned this 
territory into the northeast school district of that society, now 
the sixth and seventh school districts of Berlin. 

This was the second time the parish of Newington parted 
with a slice of her territory for the benefit of her southern 
neighbors. For this second dismemberment Newington 



62 

received no compensation. Her resources liad l)een seriously 
diminished in 1754 ; now tliey were still fnrtliei' crippled by 
tlie strong arm of the supreme power of the state. 

There were during this period great national changes, 
whicli may be briefly mentioned. 

The "French and Indian War" extended from 1754 to 
17(33, called in Europe the " seven years war." Although 
hostilities began in America in 1754, war was not declared 
between England and France till 1756. It was a struggle for 
dominion in this country. It resulted in the conquest of 
Canada by England. By tlie Treaty of Paris, February 10, 
176-3, Fi-ance suri'endered to Great Britain all her possessions 
in America east of the Mississippi river. Spain also ceded 
her possessions in Florida. The colonies freely responded to 
the call of the mother country in this as in all former wars, 
sacrificing men and means in battle and campaign, till the 
contest was brought to a successful close. The war of the 
Revolution followed, in which tlie colonies for the first time 
turned their arms against the oppression of England, and 
achieved their independence. Connecticut furnished more 
than her full share of blood and treasure in these wars. Every 
town did iis part in the common cause ; every parish suffered, 
Newington sent officers as well as privates into the battalions 
of the commonwealth. Some of her sons never came back to 
tell the story of their deeds, but " died in the public service." 
Their names may not be emblazoned upon the historic page, 
but they are ensiirined in the memories of their grateful 
descendants. Extracts from the records of the society during 
these years will give, in an official and reliable form, a picture 
of its history. 



EXTRACTS FROM SOCIETY RECORDS.— 1747-1805. 

At a meeting of tlie Society held June 1.5, 1747. it was voted — " To give 
Mr. Joshua Belding a call to be our minister," and to give liiin " Nine 
hundred pounds for a settlement to be paid in three years," and " Two 
hundreil ])ounds, old tenor, nioru-y for his salary the thret; years whilst we 
are paying his settlement." " That Dea. John Dcnang, Capt. Josiah VVil- 
lard, Peleliah Buck, be a Committee to treat with Mr. Joshua Belding 
about his salary and settlement." 

At a meetinu: held July (i, 1747, it w.as voted — "To give Mr. Joshua 
Belding the use of the parsonage so long as he is our minister, and 



63 

preaches the Calvinistical Doctrine, as is generally, at this day, preached 
among the dissenters." Also — " To give Mr. Belding 8 cords of wood 
yearly whilst he is a single person .... and sixteen cord of wood yearly 
after marriage," and " Two hundred and fifty pounds, old tenor, money, 
and the parsonage, for his salary after the settlement is paid." 

At a meeting held August 10, 1747, it was voted — "That Mr. Joshua 
Belding, for his more convenient settling in the work of the ministry in 
said place, have 100 pounds more given him, in addition to the 900 pounds 
heretofore granted to said Belding as a settlement, all which being 1000 
piuinds to be paid within the term of three years h-um the time of said 
Beldings' ordination, viz : three hundred thirty-three pounds six shillings 
and 8 pence per annum till the whole be paid and thnt the value of the 
money be made good, equal to what that same is now in the present com- 
mon eurrenc)-." " That the parsonage, the use of which was heretofore 
granted to said Belding so long as he shall continue in the miuistrv in said 
place, be delivered tnito him with the fence rectified for one crop. Also that 
tlie 200 pounds, belbre granted as a salary to be annually paid the first 
three years alter said Beldingi' ordination, be kept in its present value." 
" Tliat after the expiration of the term of three years, in which the settle- 
ment aforesaid is to be paid, said Belding have given him the sum of fifty- 
seven pounds, to be paid in grain at the following I'ate, viz : Wheat at four 
shillings. Rye at two shillings and 8 pence, Indian Corn at two shillings, 
oats at one shilling and four pence the bushel, and in the following 
proportion, viz : a hundred bushels of wheat, a hundred and fifty of rye, a 
hundred and fifty of Indian corn, and thirty of oats, or in the lieu of said 
quantities of each sort of grain above specified, that he have given him 
the equivalent therewith in bills of public credit, or in the general cur- 
rency or medium of trade, that shall from time to time lie used or improved 
as or in the lieu of money in the Colony of Connecticut : which equiva- 
lent shall be annually judged of or estimated according to the general rate 
or market price of said kinds of grain in the month of August next 
preceding, and thus, including the 250 pounds before granted or the stated 
salary now resolved to be the stated salary, annually to be paid so long as 
he the said Belding sliall continue in the ministry in s.aid place." 

At a meeting lield September 7, 1747, it was voteii. That Capt. Josiah 
Willard, Capt. Martin Kellogg and Dea. John Deming, be a " Committee 
to appoint a time with Mr. Belding for the examination and ordination of 
Mr. Belding, and likewise to appoint the fast and tavern keepers." 
" Voted that Mr. Josiah Deming be our agent, to represent this society at 
New Haven before the General Assembly to be held in October the 8th, 
1747, to hinder those of Farmington annexed to us, going from us, &c." 
" Voted, That Mr. Josiah Deming represent this society by a memorial 
exhibited to the General Assembly abovesaid, to request some considera- 
tion for the loss of our minister, who died in their service at Cape Breton, 
some time past." 

" Inasmuch as the society of Newington in our last meeting voted the 
month of August yearly to be the standard, that is to say, the market 
J5rice of wheat, rye and Indian corn and oats payable to Mr. Joshua Beld- 
ing in our minister rate, in case of want of specie, &c., we. being now 
allowed by Mr. Belding herelbr, we now say, that the month of June shall 
be the standard yearly for us to know how much we must pay to Mr. 
Belding per bushel for each kind of grain in our rates." 

MR. JOSHUA BKLDINGS' ANSWER TO THIS SOCIETY. 

" To the Society of Ncwington in Weathersfield : 

'.' Foi-asmuch as the infinitely wise God has been pleased to commit the 
invaluable treasure of preaching the Gospel to earthen vessels, (which is 



64 

a work worthy heavenly messengers,) that the excellency of the power 
niit;ht appear to be of God and not of man, and to promise his presence 
and assistance to his regular and faithful ministers, and has also ordained 
that tliL'V which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel, and foras- 
much as you have given me an invitation to engau;e in this important and 
dillieult work of the gospel iiiinistrv among you, and for my encourage- 
ment and support therein have made offers to me of a settlement and 
salary. I have taken the matter into serious consideration, and, (hoping 
for the divine aid and blessing, and your prayers and united good will in 
the arduous work,) do now signify my ready acceptance of your invitation 
and offers, and also I would signify that whereas the month fixe<l upon in 
your vote as a standard by which to judge of an equivalent to the grain 
proposed, appears upon consideration to be a time when grain generally 
bears the highest price, and may therelbre be a ground of uneasiness to 
some. I am willing to recede from that, and pitch U|.on the month of June 
in lieu thereof, as a medium betwixt the extremes. I do hereby further 
signif)' that as it would have been more agreeable to me to have omitted 
making any explicit covenant of this nature, and to have rested with only 
the common obligation arising from the gospel, were it not for the common 
practice in these churches. So I would do nothing now that should render 
the gospel burdensome, and therefore, since a 1000£ may seem much to 
be oflered as a settlement by such a society to some that are not so well 
acquainted with the inconstancy of our current medium, and so may occa- 
sion some dissatisfaction, although I make no doubt it would not, were the 
matter duly understood and weighed, yet, trusting to your good affection 
and gen'erosity. that you will not hereafter see me want what may be suffi- 
cient to render my life comfortable to me and serviceable to you. I am 
willing to forego the lOOt last added, and leave it with you to act your 
pleasure about it, now desiring nothing may be done but with a ready 
mind, hoping for the blessing of God upon you ami nie in all our ways, and 
that we may be built up in peace and love through faith unto salvation. 

"JOSHUA BELDING." 

An account of the society's debts, December, 1747, which is recorded in 
detail, contains this item : ' Due to Mr. Joshua Beliling, for preaching 
with us from the tenth day of May last until the 7th day of instant Dec, 
1 747, as our minister, £158 Is. 8d. This includes the wood and parsonage 
part which was voted, and also his board or billeting." 

Tlie following agreement also aj)pears on record : " Whereas the society 
of Newington have granted the sum of £1,000 to be given to me, the 
subscriber, as a settlement, in order for my more convenient settling among 
them in the work of the gospel ministry, I do hereby promise and engage, 
that if, by embracing or maintaining any erroneous or corrupt doctrines 
or tenets, or by changing my persuasion in matters of church order from 
whiit it appears to be at present, or by any unlawful practice, I shall at 
any time" render myself, in the judgment of the Association to which I 
shall belong, unfit tor to continue in the work of the ministry, then to return 
back to said society such a part of whatever sum or sums of said settle- 
ment I shall have received as shall be deemed by indilierent judges a 
pro])ortional for that part of the time then to come, com])areil with the 
whole time from my ordination, I might be supposed to have served in the 
work of the ministrv according to the ordinarv course of life. 

■ JOSHUA BELDING." 

At a society meeting, held December .5th, 1 748, it was voted, " That 
the one hundred and fifty (pounds) money granted by the General Assem- 
bly to this society, which money is now in the hands of Mr. Josiah 
IX'miiig, agent, shall be put into the society treasury, and the said money 



65 

shall be to pay part of the £333 6s. 8cl. which is to be paid to the Rev. 
Mr. Joshua Bclding." 

" Voted, that Thomas Kobhins procure a lock for the school house door, 
and be paid ibr it out of the society treasury : " " That the school be 
divided, to be kept three months, in the mijtldle of the society, six weeks 
at the west side, and si.K weeks at the north end." 

At a meeting held December 19th, 1748, "Voted, That whereas the 
town of VVethersfield have heretofore granted to us a parsonage of fifty 
acres of land for our use, etc., and other lands, on this consideration, we 
remise, release, and forever quit-claim to the first society in Wethersfield 
all our right and title we have, or ever had, in or to the parsonage in the 
above-said society, to their own use, benefit, and behoof, without any 
molestation from us or any under us, always provided, they will be so good 
to the society of Newington as to give them a piece of land to help them 
in settling of their minister." 

At a meeting held April 3d, 1749, it was voted, " That Joshua Andruse 
and Eliphelet Whittlcfey, Jun., be a conmiittce to succeed Capt. Martin 
Kellogg and Dea. John Deming, in letting out and taking care of the 
society school money granted by the Assembly." 

At a meeting held December 4th, 1749, it was voted, "That the school 
be kept part of the time near Serg't Thomas Francis, and part of the time 
near Mrs. Backus." 

At a meeting held December 2d, 1751, it was "Voted, That the school 
shall be kept in this society six months the year ensuing, the school to be 
kept four months and a half in the school house and six weeks of the time 
in some place at the west side of the society." " Voted, Thirteen pounds 
ten shillings money for building and finishing a pound for the use of the 
society. That the jjound shall be erected upon the north side of Lieut. 
Kilborn's shop, partly upon the commons and jiartly upon his own land. 
And likewise it was voted, that Lieut. Kilborn shall be a pound-keeper as 
lon<T as he shall pay twenty shillings per year into the society treasury; 
and likewise takes but six pence per head ibr his fees of this society ; and 
likewise takes but one penny per head for a sheep." 

At a meeting held February 18th, .1754, "Voted and agreed, To send a 
committee to Kensington to answer the citation sent by the Assembly's 
committee respecting the taking from us our western neighbors. That 
Peletiah Buck, Josiali Kilborn, and Robert Welles be a committee to repre- 
sent the matter before the Assembly's committee at Kensington. Voted, 
that we are very loth to have our neighbors in Farmington separated from 
us by reason of the smallness of the parish. But if it will be any ease for 
Kensington to have a few more added, we do agree rather to have that, 
provided our meeting house comes no further west than the front of tiie 
lots called the fifty acres lots, and that Messrs. Peletiah Buck, Josiah 
Kilborn, and Robert Welles represent this matter before the honorable 
court's committee on the third Tuesday of April next." 

At a meeting held May 3d, 1754, " Voted, that we will appoint a com- 
mittee to appear before the General Assembly at Hartford, in behalf of 
the society." 

" Voted, That Messrs. Ebenezer Kilborn and Bavil Seymour be a com- 
mittee to appear before the honorable Assembly at Hartford to remonstrate 
against the report of the Assembly's committee respecting the taking away 
the inhabitants in Farmington that were annexed to the society of New- 
ington ; and for reasons which may be given, we shall look upon it a 
hardship if they be taken away from us, but nevertheless, if they must be 
taken from us, we beg the favor of the honorable Assembly that we may 
have an equivalency made us." 
9 



66 

At a meeting held December 18th, 1754, " Voted, to appoint a commit- 
tee to go to the General Assembly in the society's behalf. Dea. Josiah 
Willavd and Lieut. Ebenezer Kilborn were appointed a committee or 
agents in behalf of the society, to go to the General Assembly next May 
to lay before the said honorable Ast^embly the case and circumstances of 
the society by reason of a great p;irt of the inhabitants being set off from 
them by the Assembly last May, and there to endeavor, by petition or by 
a memorial, to have an addition to the society eastward, and to endeavor to 
have a just and reasonable equivalency for said inhabitants taken from us." 

At a meeting held June 2d, 1755, "])ca. Josiah Willanl and Lieut. 
Ebenezer Kilborn were appointed a committee in behalf of the society to 
apply themselves to the first society in Wetbersfield, and there to endeavor 
to have an addition eastward to this society, and likewise the said commit- 
tee are appointed to ajjply themselves to the General Assembly next May, 
if need be, to prosecute the same design." 

At a meeting held July 7th, 1 755, " Voted to let out the money upon 
interest that the General As.scmbly ordered the society of Kensington to 
pay to this society. Dea. Josiah Willard, Lieut. Ebenezer Kilborn, and 
Robert Welles were appointed a committee to let out the money till the 
first of June ne.xt. 

At a meeting held August 1 7th, 1 756, '' Voted, that the money received 
and paid by the society of Kensington, June, 1756, be put in the society's 
treasury to defray the charge of the meeting house, the (amount) of the 
money received, £23 10s. 3d. 

" Voted, That after the present year, the school in this society shall be 
kept in two parts, and the one part to be kept yearly as near the dwelling 
house of Daniel Willard southwardly as may be, the other near the dwell- 
ing house of the heirs of the Rev. Mr. Sitnon Backus, and that each of 
said schools shall be kept not less than three months annually by a school- 
master, and also that each of said schools shall have their equal part of 
the country money and loan money for that purpose, and that if any 
school house be built at said places, it shall be at the charge of particular 
persons and not at the charge of this society." 

At a meeting held December 21st, 17o6, " Voted to build two pews each 
side the broad alley in the meeting house." " Lieut. Ebenezer Kilborn 
and Martin Kellogg were appointed a committee to apply themselves in 
behalf of the society to the General Assembly in May next, and there to 
move to the said Assembly, by a memorial, for an addition to (of ?) the 
lands adjoining eastward to said society." 

At a meeting held December 1st, 1757, " Voted, That the school for the 
year ensuing be kept in two parts, and that the charge of said school be 
paid; to be kept and (at?) the north ejid at the new school house, near 
Sergt. Daniel XVillard's, and the other near about Nathaniel Kirkum's." 

At a meeting held December 4th, 1 768, " Voted, That the burying 
place be fenced in (at) the society's charge." " That the school be kept 
at the north end of the society at the school house, and at the south end 
near about Nathaniel Kirkum's." 

At a meeting held December 1st, 1760, "Voted, That the school be 
kept the year ensuing three months in the winter season, in two places, 
one at the school house near Daniel Willard's, and at the south end near 
the widow Robbins. And that the school be kept three months in the 
summer at three places, one at each end, and in near the middle of the 
society, by a school dame." 

" Voted, That Mr. David Webster and Martin Kellogg be a committee 
in behalf of this society, in a matter of controversy between the society 
and Mr. David Smith of Hadley, relating to a legacy of eighty pounds by 
the last will and testament of Mrs. Mary Willard, deceased, bequeathed 



67 

to this society for enooiiraging of schooling or support of the poor in the 
same, and the said controversy to refer to arbitration with Mr. Smith 
aceoriling to their best judgment and discretion."* 

At a meeting held February loth, 1764, " Voted, That David Woolcott, 
Martin Kellogg, and Charles Churchel be a committee to seat the meeting 
house. That the committee in seating the meeting house, seat it by list, 
age, parentage, and uselulness." 

" V^oted, to Charles Hurlbut and Jonathan Blin, for a house to keep the 
school in, 10s." 

At a meeting held December 2d, 17C5, " Voted, That the seats be taken 
up in the meeting house, and pews bo made in the body of the meeting 
house." " That Lieut. Martin Kellogg be a committeeman to take the 
care of making the pews." 

At a meeting held on the last Monday in April, 176G, "Voted, That 
whatsoever part of Mr. Belding's salary is not paid annually by the first of 
June, shall draw five per cent, interest from that time until paid." 

At a meeting held December 12th, 1770, "Voted, That Sergt. Daniel 
Willard, Dea. John Camp, and Sergt. Janna Deming be a committee to 
seat the meeting house. That men and their wives be seated together." 

" Voted, That the society move to the General Assembly, in order to 
obtain the legacy given to the society by Mary Willard, deceased, in her last 
will. That Captain Charles Churchel be appointed to assist in that affair." 
" That the society be at the cost if it cannot be paid out of the estate." 

At a meeting held January 14th, 1771, " Voted, That two more school 
houses be built in this society, one near the south-west corner of Lieut. 
Martin Kellogg's home lot, and the other near Francis Deming's home lot, 
the school liouses be built by subscription." 

At a meeting held April 6th, 1773, "Whereas this society covenanted 
with Mr. Joshua Belding, previous to his settlement in the ministry in this 
place, to give him, besides the use of the parsonage and sixteen cords of 
wood, fifty-seven pounds, to be paid in certain quantities of grain, as 
specified in said covenant on record, or the equivalence to said quantities 
of grain in money, according to the market price of grain in June, as 
his stated salary, annually to be paid him during his continuance in the 
ministry here ; and whereas said covenant is so expressed as to admit of 
various constructions, and by experience the grain is found not to be an 
equal standard, which has occasioned frequent uneasiness and disquietude, 
to the disturbance of the peace and harmony in the society, and of wrongs 
being done : therefore, to remedy the same and prevent the like difficulty 
lor the time to come, it is now agreed and voted, with the consent of Mr. 
Jo-ihua Belding, that the following alteration be made in said covenant, 
viz. : tliat Mr. Belding have paid him annually for the future, during his 
conlinuance in the ministry with u<, instead of grain or equivalence 
thereto, the sum of seventy pounds lawful money, tor his yearly salary, 
together with the use of the parsonage and wood as before." 

" Voted, That Joseph Androus, Martin Kellogg, and Charles Churchel 
be a committee to consult in the affairs of the parsonage." 

[Extract from the will of Mary Willard.'] 
* " Item. I bequeath eighty pounds lawful money, or vaUie thereof, to be 
improved forever, tliat is, the yearly income of tlie same, for the encouragement 
of schooling in the society of Newinnton, or benefit of the poor, at the discretion 
of the Rev. Joshua Belding, Capt. Robert Wells, Deacon Joshua Andruss, and 
their successors, as a committee for said purpose, to be chosen or appointed by 
the surviving two when one of them shall be removed by death, and so said com- 
mittee to he continued." 
Executed May 17th, 1759. 
Her estate inventoried, Aug. 26th, 1759, £429 7s. 13d. 



68 

At a meeting held May 24th, 1 773, " Voted, Capt. Martin Kellogg 
(and) John Lusk be a committee in the affair of Worthington memorial." 

At a meeting held on the first \fonday of December, 1773, " Voted, To 
Josiah Willard, two pounds six shillings and six pence for a funeral cloth." 

At a meeting held December 23d, 1773, "Voted, Twenty-two pounds 
nine shillings and two pence to defray the costs of obtaining the legacy 
that Mary Willard gave to the society." 

" ^'oted. That two school houses be built in this society by the society's 
cost. That a committee be appointed to aflix the places for the school 
houses. (That) William Welles, of Glassenbury, Capt. John Warner, of 
Stepney, and Selah Hart, of Kensington, be a committee to view the 
society and affix the places for the school houses. That Dea. John Camp, 
Capt. Martin Keilogg, and Capt. Charles Churchel be appointed to wait 
upon the said committee to show them the .situation of the society. Capt. 
Martin Kellogg, John Lusk, and Capt. Charles Churchel were appointed 
a committee to go to the old society of Wetherstield, to ask to have the 
mountain tier of lots to be annexed to this society." 

At a meeting held February 7th, 177-t. "Voted. That a committee be 
appointed to build the school houses at the places where the committee 
affix them." 

At a meeting held March 23d, 1774, "The question was put whether 
the parsonage lot of land belonging to said society be leased for the space 
of nine hundred and ninety-nine years, in such manner and on such terms 
and conditions as this society shall agree on. Capt. Martin Kellogg, Capt. 
Chnrles Churchel and Mr. John Lusk were appointed a committee to lease 
said parsonage lot of land for the said term of nine hundred and ninety- 
nine years, to such person or persons as shall appear to take the same and 
give such security for the sum or sums it shall be leased for, with the 
interest arising thereon, as said committee shall agree ; which security 
shall be either a bond with sureties to the acceptance of said committee, 
or a mortgage deed of lands of double the value of the sums to be secured, 
well executed and recorded, and free of all incumbrances whatsoever. 
That the said lands should be leased in several parcels or allotments, as 
said committee shall judge best for the benefit of said society. That the 
money for which the parsonage lot is or shall be leased, shall, by a com- 
mittee by this society appointed, be let on interest; to such persons as shall 
from time to time appear to take the same, and give security, according to 
the votes of said society, to the acceptance of said committee, for payment 
of the principal sums borrowed when required, and for the payment of the 
interest thereof annually : and that the whole of the interest, arising on the 
several respective sums so loaned or let on interest, shall be improved an- 
nually for and towards the payment of the salary of the minister of this soci- 
ety in Newington, and in case of any vacancy by death or otherwise, towards 
the payment of such as shall be called to preach on probation or otherwise, 
and to or for no other use or purpose whatsoever; and that the principal 
sum or sums aforesaid shall be and remain in the disposal of said society, 
to be improved as aforesaid forever, without diminution or decrease on any 
account whatsoever." 

"Newington, April the Gth, 1774. 

" These presents witness that I, Jo<hua Belding, for the consideration of 
seventeen pounds lawful money, to be annually, well, and truly paiil to me 
by the. society of Newington, by the first day of May in each succeeding 
year during the terui of my continuing in the ministry in this place, have 
released and quitted, and ilo by these presents actually and fully release 
and quit to said society foreverall my right, title or claim to the use and 
improvement of the parsonage land lying in this parish to their proper 



69 

use, improvement, and disposal, without hindrance or molestation from me 
or any by or under me, as witness my hand." 

At a meeting held April 6th, 1774, "Voted, That in consideration of a 
release and quit-claim, given to this society by Mr. Joshua Belding, of the 
use and improvement of the parsonage land lying in this p.arish, which 
was granted to him, the said Mr. Joshua Belding, by this society at his 
first settling here, to hold during his continuance in the ministry in this 
place, that Mr. Joshua Belding have, in lieu of said parsonage, for the 
future, annually paid to him the sum of seventeen pounds lawful money, to 
be paid duly by the first day of May in each succeeding year, that is. the 
first payment to be made the first of May, 17 75, and so on yearly so long 
as Mr. Joshua Belding shall continue in the ministry with us." 

At a meeting held the fifth day of December, 1774, "Voted, Lemuel 
Whittlesey, Robert Wells, jr., and Unni Robbins, and Martin Kellogg, jr., 
to build the school houses at the places where the committee set tlie stakes." 

At a meeting lield December 8th, 1774, "Voted, That the north end 
of the society, down as far as the north side of Deacon Joshua Andrus' 
common lot, to be a school district." 

" Voted, to build a school house, upon the society's cost, at the south- 
west corner of Mr. John Lusk's lot, near to Capt. Martin Kellogg's house." 

" Voted. That what was voted in ihe last meeting respecting the build- 
ing the school houses, be revoked and null." 

" Voted, That the school (be kept) twelve months in this society, three 
months in the winter, in three places at the same time, at the north school 
house, and at the south school house, and in the middle of the society, and 
one month in each of said places in the fall of the yeai\" 

At a meeting held February 27th, 177.5, " Voted, Capt. Martin Kellogg 
and Capt. Charles Churchel be a coniraittee to examine and to take advice 
in the alfair between Worthington and this society." 

At a meeting held December 6th, 1779, " Josiah Willard chosen clerk 
of said society." * 

" Voted, To the Rev. Mr. Joshua Belden the sum of thirteen hundred 
pounds as his salary for his service the year past." 

" Voted, The sum of two hundred forty-nine pounds four shillings and 
five pence for maintenance of the schools." 

" Voted, To Mr. Abel Andrus tte sum of thirty pounds for sweeping 
the meeting house."! 

At a meeting held December 14tli, 177y, "Voted, That the society 
committee shall warn a society meeting to consider about building a new 
meeting house or repairing the old one." J 

At a meeting held November 23d, 1 780, " Voted, To give Mr. Belden 
the sum of fifty-four pounds ten shillings lawful money, or old Continental 
money, at the rate of forty for one, in addition to the thirteen hundred 
heretofore voted to him by this society for his salary for the service of the 
year 1779." 

*Robert Welles was chosen clerk Dec. 3d, 1744, and the records are in his 
handwriting,' from th.at time to ihe record of this meeting, 39 years. The first 
clerk ot the society, Josiah Wilhird, acted from 1716 to 1744, 28 years. The 
clerk chosen at this meeting is the third clerk of the society, and probably the 
son of the first, of the same name. 

t These votes show the great depreciation of the currency at this time. 

{The question of building a meeting house, and especially where it should be 
located, agitated the society lor nr.my years. It, was not settled till May 22d, 
1797, when it was located where it still stands. The votes in relation to the 
matter are so numerous that they must be omitted, except those which finally 
settled the question. 



70 

At a meeting held December 4th, 1780, " Voted, To give Mr. Belden, 
our minister, the sum of eighty-seven pounds lawful money for his salary 
for his service of the year past, to be paid in silver, or an equivalent in 
States' money or ContiniMital currency or in produce." 

At a meeting held March 5th, 1782, " Voted, That Capt. Churchill, Capt. 
Kidlogg, Unni Robbins, James Bhn, and Josiah Willard should be a com- 
mittee to go and treat with Mr. Uelden in respect of his salaries for the 
years 1777, 17 78, 17 79, and to malie proposals to him according to the best 
of their discretion, and try to come to an agreement with him to pay him 
the interest of the parsonage money towards his salaries for said years 
or otherwise, as said committee shall think fit, and said committee shall 
transact the said affair witli Mr. Belden as tliough it was their own case 
(excepting that they refer it to the society for ratification), and they are 
to mal<e their report to the next adjourned meeting."* 

"Newington, April the 2d, 1782. 

" A committee being appointed by this society, at a meeting lately held 
in this place, to treat with me, the subscriber, and make proposals in order 
for a settlement of the deficiencies occasioned by the depreciation of Con- 
tinental money, in the payment of my salary for the years 1777, 1778, and 
1779, said committee after deliberately looking into the matter, computing 
what the society were in arrears, and attending to the peculiar, intricate, 
and perplexed circumstances of the affairs, proposed to give me £100 in 
addition to all I had received for said three years, which, having taken 
into consideration, although I look upon it far short of what is my due, and 
laying upon me (under my circumstances) more than my proportion of the 
e.Ktraordinary burdens of the times, yet, feeling tenderly affected towards 
the parish, and considering the heavy taxes occasioned by the war, the 
great difficulty many find to pay them, and with a view and desire to 
restore, if possible, and promote peace and harmony in the society, I have 
agreed, in compliance with the said proposal, to accept of a £100 lawful 
money, with the lawful interest from this day till paid, in lieu of all arrear- 
ages due tor said three years, and accordingly do hereby, for myself and 
my heirs, etc., promise and engage, upon condition the society readily con- 
sent to and confirm said proposal and agreement, and also shall satisfy unto 
individuals who have paid their rates in full in all or either of said three 
years, then to relinquish all further demands for the service of said years, 
and also, upon my receiving said money agreed upon, do promise to give 
discharges in full to the society for those three years. As witness my hand, 

Joshua Belden." 

At a meeting held February 11th, 1783, "Voted, That they would build 
two school housis upon the society's cost." 

" Voted, That the place for the North school house shall be near the 
north-west corner of the lot formerly owned by Eli Stoddard, and between 
the houses of William Andrus and Guinea, as shall appear by the commit- 
tee most convenient, and the place for the South school house at the stake 
set by a former committee." 

" Voted, That Elijah Welles, Jonathan Stoddard, John Graham, Unfti 
Robbins, Levi Lusk, and Levi Churchill shall be a committee to build the 
said school houses." 

■' Voted, I'o raise four pence on the pound to defray the cost of building 
said school houses." 

At a meeting held March 10th, 1783, "Voted, That the society should 

*Tlic committee came to an agreement with Mr. Beldon, which tlicy reported 
to tlie nuxt adjourned meeting lielJ April 2d, 1782, and which is substantially set 
forth in Mr. Belden's agreement which follows, and was satisfactory to the society 
and ratified. 



71 

be divided into three school districts by a committee now to be appointed 
for that purpose." 

" Voted, That Col. Gad Stanley, Gen. Selah Hart, and John Bobbins, 
Esq', should be this committee."* 

" Voted, That the said committee should divide the society equally, 
taking the list, conveniency of travel, and all other matters into consid- 
eration." 

" Voted, Capt. Kellogg, Capt. Mitchell, and Josiah Willard should be a 
committee to wait upon the aforesaid gentk-men." 

At a meeting held April 14th, 1783, "Voted, To Capt. Kellogg and 
Capt. Mitchell three pounds one shilling and nine pence for defraying the 
cost and expenses of the school district committee." ' 

" Voted, That we approve of the report and doings of the committee 
appointed to divide the society into three school districts." f 

At a meeting held April 29th, 1 783, " Voted, To build two school houses 
upon the society's cost, the North one in the most convenient place at or 
near the mouth of Guinea'.s lane, and the other in the most convenient 
place against a little piece of land granted by the town to Billy lilin." 

" Voted, To build the school houses twenty-five feet long and twenty 
feet broad." 

" Voted, To raise a rate of three pence upon the pound to defray the 
cost of building the aforesaid school houses." 

" Voted, That the inhabitants may have liberty (if to the acceptance of 
the committee) to pay their respective rates in labor, timber, and materials 
for building said houses." 

" Voted, That Capt. Jonathan Stoddard, Ebenezer Dickinson, and 
James Welles shall be a committee to build the North school house." 

" Voted, That Capt. Mitchell, Francis Deniing, and Unni Bobbins shall 
be a committee to build the South school house." 

At a meeting held May 3d, 1784, "Voted, To appropriate four pounds 
of the loan money, or other monies that may be had out ol the society 
treasury, towards hiring a teacher to instruct the people in this parish in 
the art of singing." 

At a meeting held December 6th, 1784, "Voted, To petition the town 
to purchase a piece of land belonging to Capt. Martin Kellogg, near the 
burying yard in this place, that the said land may be open for a green or 
highway, and that the society clerk and society committee be directed to 
prepare a petition or memorial in behalf of the society, and lay it before 
the next or some luture town meeting." J 

* Non-residents. 

tAs early as in October, 1766, the General Assembly passed an act relating to 
schools, appropriating 20s. to every £1 ,000 of the list of the several towns and 
societies for the benefit of schools, in which it was provided, " That each town 
and society shall have full power and authority to divide themselves into proper 
and necessary districts for keeping their schools, and to alter iind regulate the 
same from time to time as tliey shall have occasion : which districts so made shall 
draw their equal proportion of said monies, as well as all other public monies, 
for the support of schools belonging to such respective towns or societies, accord- 
ing to the list of each respective district therein." 

Stat, of 1769, p. .330. 

{The committee presented the following petition : 

"To the i;ihabitants of the Town of Weather.sfield, legally nsseml Ic 1 by 
adjournment on Monday, the 3d day of January, 1785 : 

■'The petition of the inhabitants of the Society of Newington, within said 
Town, humbly shewcth : That there is a certain piece of land containing about 
an acre, owned by Capt. Martin Kellogg, and lying in said socii'ty a few rods 
North of the meeting house, running out into the highway the whole length of 



72 



At a meefmc^ held February Uth. 1785, "Voted, To apply to the town 
for the rountain tier to be arfnexed to this society and to make apphca- 
t;„n fr, till. Asserablv to have the same annexe<l to it. , ij 

"Votld ThltSs Churchill, Esq., and Capt._Martin Kellogg should 
be a committee to make the above said application. , 

At a meeti.." held March 20th, 1789, "Messrs David Lowrey and 
Lemuel Whittlesey were appointed to take care _ol the excuse monc^y. 

" Voted That the interest arising upon, and is now due upon, t^ejiam 
mone) part of the soldiers' notes, belonging to the excise money, be added 

'° Arf3nt''l^eld June 1st, 1789, " Voted, That the -mmUtee who 
have the care 'of the indents for interest now be ongmg to J ' '"^'f X- 

- sSs:lx;Si1^^^=t z::iX:^^^^ ^.d 

^"'^"w'hlreas there was a legacy left by Mr. Jedediah Demi^ng in Ws last 
will, to the society of Newing.on for tl^^P^H'^se of procuring a Ibraryi^^^ 

-!i-ttn=n:=^^:---n:^H'^^^ 

So tise and improvement of said society, as soon as may be and as far 
is agreeable to said will."t ^ 

commodious green, and is a gi-'^^V"'"]' ' „nM nf stranee'rs who cannot pass 
to the travel of the, inhabitants of said society ""^ °f ''^^^^^''.''■^^"i.uo acor^ 
that way without loss of travel, e^P«"f 7; >\"f "^ ;^'^„ f '^^^^^^ through an 

from whence they cannot P^^^ ^''f ''»"' ''^?"™'"/,,„ ", "' 'oZ^ b^ the 

inclosureset apart and ^^^V^^^f ^^'^J^silX^'^^o^^^^^^ 
inhabitants of said society and the P'^^^' "'' X^f^Jg^id'c Kellogg with 
pray that the said piece of ""'^.'^^'^^^.P/'' :\"ffu"v^^^^^ .aid town, and the 

Dublic "ood, so that relief may be granted. 
^ •' And your petitioners, as in duty bound shall ever pray, etc. 
■' ' Bv order of said Society, 

_^ JosiAH WiLLARD. Society Clerk. 

David Lowry, ) 

James Welles, > Committee. 

Daniel Willard, jr., ) 

tEmo from .1.. -i" of ''''■"->• """S- ""'" *''"' """■ 

a suitable quantity of ^oo^s "t ' fo":^^ ^^ij ,^^;,, ^ far as the 

^I^;t;rSy-^>-- ^icfrfecy Shan be paid b^ my executors 



73 

At a meeting held September 21st, 178D, " Upon a motion of Deacon 
Stoddard to resign the trust reposed in him by Mr. Jedediah Deming, late 
of Wethersfield, deceased, in liis last will and testament, for applying a 
legacy given by said Deming to the society of Newington for procuring a 
public library for said society : Voted, That Messrs. David Lowrey, Roger 
Welles, John Goodrich, Simon Welles, and Daniel Willard, Jun., be 
appointed to assist the deacons in the discharge of the trust reposed in 
them by said will, in applying said legacy, procuring books, and forming a 
constitution for said library, and to assist them in any other matters that 
shall be thought necessary respecting said legacy, agreeable to said will, 
according to their best judgment and discretion, and to report from time to 
time, when called, their proceedings in the business aforesaid." * 

At a meeting held December 7th, 1789, "Messrs. Unni Robbins, Elizur 
Andrus, and Daniel Willard, Jun., were appointed to consider the petition 
of the south end of the society respecting a school district, and to report 
to the society." 

At a meeting held December 22d, 1 780, " Voted, That the sum of one 
huiulred and eighty pounds be raised on the list of this society for defray- 
ing the cost ot" the school houses already built in this society and for 
building a school house at the southern part of the society, the said sum 
to be equally divided to said houses, and that the south end, extending to 
one third part of the list of 1 7S8 as near as may be, be impowered to call 
a meeting and transact any matters respecting the building said house, 
and that the proprietors of the other houses be empowered to meet and 
make an average of the sums so voted to each house. (Carried, nineteen 
against twelve.) " 

At a meeting held March 2d, 1 790, " Voted, To empower the committee 
who have the care of the public monies belonging to this society in the loan 
office, both interest and principal, to dispose of the same according to 
their best discretion for the benefit of said society." 

At a meeting held July 7th, 1791, "There was then laid before the 
meeting a written obligation, signed by Capt. Martin Kellogg, promising 
to give to the society ninety pounds in njoney to be laid out towards a 
frame lor a meeting house in consideration that the society agree to erect 
and build said house on the west side of the ol<l green and about five rods 
southward of the south-east corner of the burying yard, so as to enclose a 
stake set there by bim." 

" There was also an obligation in writing, signed by Lt. Lemuel Whit- 
tlesey, laid before said meeting, promising to give one hundred pounds 
towards building a meeting house for said society, provided sai<l society 
shall proceed to build said house near where the first committee set a stake 
therelbr."t 

" A division was then called for, and there were for accepting Capt. 
Kellogg's proposal, 24, for Lt. Whittlesey's proposal, 14, majority of 10 for 
Capt. Kellogg's proposal." 

" Messrs. David Lowrey and James Welles were then appointed to 
receive the said donation of Capt. Kellogg. Messrs. Roger AVelles and 

within one year after my decease, and provided the said sum of sixty pounds 
sliall be more than sufficient for the purpose aforesaid, my will is that the sur- 
plusage shall be loaned and the annual interest applied and improved for the 
support of the school in the south district in said society of Newington, their 
heirs and successors forever." 

* This committee reported, September 14th, 1790, a constitution and regula- 
tions lor a library, called " Charity Liljrary." 

t This was near the dwelling house of Luther Latimer. 

10 



74 



Jonathan Stoddard were then appointed to apply to the court to estabUsh 
the above vote for the acceptance of Capt. Kellogg's proposal. * 

At a meeting held March 13th, 1792, "Voted and agreed, That this 
society will apply to the honorable General Assembly m May next, to 
obtain, if may be, the place already agreed upon by this society at their 
meeting in July last, to be affixed and established for the purpose oi 
buildino- a new meeting house upon. 20 for the vote 14 against it.' 

" Voted That Messrs. David Lowrey and Roger Welles be and they are 
hereby appointed agents in behalf of this society to apply to the honorable 
General Assembly m May for the purpose expressed in the above vote. 
(19 for the vote, 14 against it.) " ,r ■, n^, . .i ■ • . -ii 

^ At a meeting held October 8th 1792, " Voted, That this society will 
confine their petition, now pending in the honorable General Assembly, 
respecting a meeting house, to a committee to view the society, hear all 
parties, and determine where a meeting house shall be erected in said 

'°l?a'meeting held October 23d, 1792, "Voted, That Col. Roger Wellies 
be appointed to make provision for the committee from the Assembly. 
Charles Churchill, Esq., Col. Roger Welles, Martm Keilogg, and Capt. 
Robert Welles were appointed to wait on said committee expected from 
the Assembly, and show them the society. Daniel Willard Jun., and 
David Lowrey were appointed by said meeting to make a statement to 

'^At'rmTetTnt'held December 31st, 1792, "Voted, That a committee be 
appointed to fook into the state of the public laW books and Ivirby sre- 
norts belon<.ina to this society, and report to the next meeting. Also, 
that Messrs! James Welles and David Lowrey be appointed lor said pur- 

^"""voted That this meeting approve of the following report and resolve 
of the honorable General Assembly, laid before the meeting. And the 
numbers taken were 39 against 3. . , , , ^ xi 

At a General Assembly of the State of Connecticut ho den at New 
HavenonthesecondThursdayof October, Anno Dom., 1< 92 _ 

Upon the memorial of the inhabitants of the society ot New.ngton, in 
the town of AVethersfield, and county of Hartford, by their agents David 
Lowrey and Roger Welles, of said society, shewing to this Assembly that 
tlieir old meetiSg house in said society is much decayed and unfit to 
repair and that the attempts to erect a new one have hitherto proved 
inlilcc'tnal : praying for the appointment of a committee to view the vari- 
o"s places nLid so'ciety mentioned lor the building a meeting house and 
report what place is most convenient, as per petition on file. And thi 
petit on came to the Ge'neral Assembly o this state, holden at Hartfo d 
Fn M.y last, and by continuance to this Assembly; when this Assembly 
appointed a committee to examine into the facts stated in said petit,,,,,, 
wWch committee having viewed the various places men tioiied as suit^a jle 
to evert a meetincr house, at this Assembly have reported that at a stake 
ly the said committee 'set, about six rods southeast f.om the p.ibh,- 
buryin.. ground in said society, is the most proper place whereon t., e,vc 
a meeting house in said society, which report hath been accepted by th,^ 
Assembly, all which appears on file. » i ^ .i 

lieZloed by this AJemUy, That a meeting house may be erectc.l at the 
said Xce reported by said committee, viz.: at a stake set about six rods 
si^eastfro^m the public burying^gromidmsaid^-i^^^ 

'»r^fi;r^.^nT7<^ri^iii^71n7^^nuai^, 1792, decided in favor of the sire near Luther 
Latime?-srur"^;e':oci;ty, It) meeti,ig held Feb 6tl., 1792, disapproved of 
this jiulgment of the county court by a vote of 49 to 20. 



75 

are hereby authorized to erect a meeting house in said societ}' at said 
place. 

A true copy of record. Examined by George Wyllys, Secretary." 

At a meeting held May 13tli, 1793, -'Voted, That this society will 
oppose the petition of certain memorialists who have petitioned the Hon. 
General Assembly, at their ])resent session, to annex sundry persons 
belonging to this society, together with their estates, and also to annex a 
certain tract of land at the south end of this society, to tlie society of 
Worthington, relative to society and school charges." 

" Voted, That Col. Roger Welles and Charles Churchill, Esq., be 
appointed agents in behalf of this society to oppose said petition." * 

At a meeting held May 20, 1793, "Voted, That Messrs. James Lusk 
and Martin Kellogg be employed to repair the fence around the burying 
yard, and that the expense be paid out of the rate-bill in the hand of Mr. 
Simon Wells." 

At a meeting held Match 31, 1794, " Voted, To General Roger Welles, 
three pounds ten shillings, which lie paid to Cliauncey Goodrich, for 
memorial for meeting liouse and attendance on the Court, Nov. 26, 1791, 
and January, 17il2, and for petition to the Assembly in May, 1792." 

At a meeting held April 14, 1795, "It was then voted, To raise three 
shillings on pound on the list of this society for the year 1794, one shillino- 
of the same to be paid annually for the purpose of building a meeting 
house at the stake set by the Assembly's Committee. 13 for it; 11 
against it. 

" Voted, That Messrs. Unni Robbins, Elizur Andrus and Joshua Bel- 
den, jun., be a committee to procure materials and build a meeting house, 
agreeable to tlie above votes. 

" Voted, " That Mr. Solomon Stoddard be appointed sheep master, 
to take care of the sheep in this society the coming summer." 

At a meeting held April 27, 1795, "Voted, Thaf General Roger 
Welles and Deacon James Welles be appointed to procure subscriptions 
to ease the burdens of the south-western people in this society, on condi- 
tion that a meeting house be built at the stake set by the As.sembly's Com- 
mittee." 

At a meeting held May 18, 1795, " Voted, To General Roger Welles, 
two pounds eiglit shillings, to enable him to settle with Mr. Win. Mosely, 
and one pound ten, to enable him to settle with ]\Ir. Thomas Y. Seymor, 
for services to the Assembly, on the petition of Theodore Beckley and 
others against this society, being in the whole £3, 18."f 

*The petition of Theodore Beckley apd others, dated April 22d, 1793, prays 
tliat tliey, with their ratable estate, " may be annexed unto the said society of 
Worthington, in said Berlin, relative to society and schooling charges." 

Tlie society of Worthington, at a meeting held May 13th, 1793, voted that 
they were " cordially willing " the annexation of the petitioners to that society 
should be granted by the Assembly, and that they esteemed it " not only expedi- 
ent, but just and reasonable that this union be made." The petition was granted 
by the lower house May 20th, 1794. In the upper house, it was granted so far as 
to annex a part of Stepney (now Rocky Hill) to Worthington. Afterwards, the 
upper house reconsidered their action and concurred witli the lower house. 

t General Roger Welles died May 27, 1795, in the 41st year of his age. He 
was a graduate of Yale College, Class of 1775. After his graduation he taught 
school in Wethersfield till the Revolutionary War broke out, when lie entered 
the service and continued to the close of the war. He was captain of a company 
of picked men, under the command of Gen. Lafayette, at the siege of Yorktown, 
and his company, under his command, led the storming party on the redoubt 
taken by assault by the Americans. He was the second man in the fort, Col. 
Alex. Hamilton being the first. He was afterwards presented with a sword by 



76 

At a meeting held October 3, 1796, "Voted, To keep five montlis' 
school at each ilistrict in this society the year coming. 

" Voted, Eight pounds to each school, to be raised on the list of this 
society. 

" Voted, That half a cord of wood to a scholar be carried to the schools, 
and that those who carry tlie same be allowed at the same'rate it shall be 
set to Mr. Belden. 

" Voted, That Messrs. Martin Kellogg, Levi Wells and Jonathan Blinn 
be appointed a school committee for said schools, and that they collect the 
poll tax. 

" Voted, That Capt. Levi Lusk draw the country money for the 
schools."* 

At a meeting held June 12, 1797, "Voted, That this Society will 
build a meeting house at the stake set by the Assembly's Committee, 
agreeable to a resolve of said Assembly. 22 lor, 17 against." 

At a meeting held August 7, 1797, " Voted, That the north-west corner 
of the meeting house be set at a stake now set on the green, and that the 
sills be ranged due north and south, east and west, with the porch or 
steeple at the east end." 

At a meeting held August 28, 1797, " Voted, That this Society direct 
the present committee of superintendence for building a meeting house in 
this society proceed to erect and finish a meeting house at the stake set by 
the Assembly's Committee where the foundation now lies. 33 for, 21 
against." 

At a meeting held August 30, 1798, " Voted, To proceed to finish the 
lower part of the meeting house, now erecting, with the breastwork of the 
gallery, as soon as may be, lathing and plastering excepted." 
• At a meeting held September, 24, 1798, " Voted, That the Committee 
appointed to superintend the building a meeting house in this soeiety, be 
directed to enga'ge some suitable person to finish the same as they shall 
judge will be best for the society." 

At a meeting held October 15, 1798, " Voted, To build pews in all the 
lower part of the meeting house instead of seats." 

At a meeting held November 12, 1798, " Voted, To sell and dispose of 
the old meeting house in this society, and apply the avails of it towards 
defraying the charges of the new meeting house now building in said 
society, according to the discretion of a couinuttee hereafter to be ap- 
pointed for that purpose." 

At a meeting held March 23, 1801, " Voted, That we will raise one cent 
on a dollar, for the purpose of painting the meeting house, on the list of 
1800." 

At a meeting held December 6, lSb2, " Voted, That James Wells, jun., 
be a society clerk in the room of Uaruel Wilhird who has resigned said 
office." 

At a meeting held March 8, 1803, to take into consideration " Mr. Bel- 
den's proposals to the society." 

Gen. Lafayette. He married Jemima Kellogfr, March 27, 1785, and settled in 
Newin;;ton. In May, 178S, he w.as appointed colonel of the Sixth Iveg't of 
Stute Militia. In May, 1793, ho was appointed l)rigadier-general of the Seventh 
Brigade of Militia. He was a member of the House of Kepresentatives at the 
sessions held in May, October and Decera1)er, 1790, May, 1791, May, 1792, May 
and October, 1793, May, 1794, and May, 1795, beinf; a member when lie died. 
In personal appearance he was tall and commanding, l)eing over six feet high, and 
by his training and martial bearing was well fitted to be a general in reality as 
well as in name. 

* These are the last votes of the Society on the subject of schools. The 
school society was probably soon organized. 



77 

" Voted, To comply with Mr. Belilen's fii-st proposal." 

" Voted, To appoint a committee to lure a candidate if there should be 
need." 

At a meeting held Decemlier 5. 1803, " A'oted, To pay the Rev. 
Joshua Belden the salary due to him to the present time, $290, to be 
raised on the list of 1803."* 

" Voted, To raise $200, on the list of 180;i, for the purpose of supply- 
ing the pulpit the year ensuing, and that one half be collected and paid 
by the first day of March next, ami the remainder by the last day of June 
next." 

" Voted, That Col. Levi Lusk, Dea. James Wells, Dea. Daniel Wil- 
lard and Mr. Abel Andrus be a committee to supply the pulpit the ensuing 
year, according to the best of their discretion." 

At a meeting held November 19, 1804, " Voted, That this society will 
give Mr. Joab Brace a call to settle with us in the gospel ministry, (51 for 
O.) 

" Voted, That Col. Levi T.,usk, Dea. James Wells, Dea. Daniel Willard, 
Mr. Abel Andrus, Mr. Martin Kellogg, Maj. Justus Francis, and Mr. 
David Lowrey, be a committee to confer with Mr. Br,iee on said subject, 
and to obtain his mind with respect to settling in this society, and make 
report to the ne.xt meeting." 

At a meeting held December 3, 1804, " Voted that this society agree 
to the report made to this meeting by the committee appointed to confer 
with Mr. Joab Brace with respect to his settling in this society." 

At a meeting held Dec. 17, 1804, " Voted, That this society agree to the 
proposals made by the Committee appointed to confer with Mr. Joab 
Brace, and his agreement thereto be agreed to, and that the day appointed 
for his being ordained be on the third Wednesday of January next. (45 
for, 2 against.) 

" Voted, That the society's committee be appointed, in concurrence with 
the committee to be appointed by the church, to grant letters missive and 
to transact all business relative to the ordination. 

"Voted, That the aforesaiil committee be appointed to seat the counsel 
and strangers that shall attend on the day of ordination, and that they 
confer with Mr. Brace on what day he wishes to have a fast, and make 
public proclamation on the Sabbath. "f 

At a meeting held January 7, 1805, "Voted, That Abel Andrus, David 
Lowrey, Martin Kellogg, Unni Robbins, jun., Simon Kilbourn, Lemuel 
Holmes, Widow Honor Blinn, and Widow Jemima Welles be appointed to 
keep houses of entertainment on the day of ordination." 

At a meeting held February 11, 1805, " Voted, $39.83 to Joshua Bel- 
den, Esq., for entertaining the counsel." 

" Voted, Widow Jemima Welles $25.50 tor boarding Mr. Brace and 
keeping his horse." 

lifr. Joab Brace's Call from the Socielij. 

"Newington, December 3d, 1804. 
" Whereas Joab Brace, candidate, has been preaching for a length of 
time among us, and given universal satisfaction, we hereby give him a 
call to settle among us. in the work of the Gospel ministry ; and tor his 
encouragement in the same M'e engage with him on the following terms, 
viz : That we will give him a permanent salary of three hundred and 

* Mr. BeUlen did the actual service of the ministry during iifty-six years. Dr. 
Brace's Dis., 17. 

t The fasl was January 9, 1805, and the ordination January 16, 1805. 



78 

seventy dollars a 3'ear so long as he shall continue to officiate with us in 
the ministry of the gospel. Provided, however, that his salary shall 
not cease for any temporary interruption from any providential ill- 
ness or inability. Also in addition to the above we will give him, 
for the four first years successively, one hundred dollars a year, out 
of the interest of the public moneys belonging td this society, for his 
present assistance. And, further, we will fetch and deliver to him yearly 
the wood he shall provide, not exceeding twenty loads a year, from a lot 
lying about two miles south-west of West Hartford meeting house. 
Signed, in behalf of the society, 
Abel Andrus, David Lowrey, Martin Kellogg, James Wells, Justus 
Francis, Levi Lusk, Daniel Willard, committee. 

Mr. Brace's ansiver to the Sociel//. 

The people of this society having given me a regular call to settle 
among them in the work of the gospel ministry, and having proposed their 
engagement with me on the following terms, viz. : That they will give me 
a permanent salary of three hundred and seventy dollars a year so long as 
I shall continue to ofliciate with them in the ministry of the Gospel. Pro- 
vided, however, that my salary shall not cease in case of any temporary 
interruption by any Providential illness or inability. That in addition 
to the above permanent salary, they will give me, for the four first years 
successively, one hundred dollars a year out of the interest of the public 
monies belonging to this society, for my present assistance. And further, 
that they will fetch and deliver to me yearly the fire wood which I shall 
provide, not exceeding twenty loads a year, from a lot lying about two 
miles south-west of West Hartford meeting house. And I, also, having 
turned my attention to this gi-eat and solemn subject, with mature delib- 
eration, with much prayer to God, and with consultation of those friends 
whom I judged capable of advising. These are therefore to signify my 
acceptance of their proposals and agreement stated above, and ray will- 
ingness to comply with their call, depending on divine aid, to be their 
minister in the Gospel of Christ, devoutly praying to Almighty God that 
by His sovereign grace I may be the humble instrument in His hands of 
awakening and converting sinners, and of building up saints in holiness 
and comfort, through faith unto salvation, an<i that this solemn connection 
may be for the everlasting peace and happiness both of this people and 
myself. Newington, December ITth, A. D. 1804. 

Jo.\n Braoe. 

Addition to Mr. Brace's answer. 

That there may be no objection in the minds of any person, I am content 
that the donation for the four first years should be paid on the following 
conditions, viz. : If 1 should be dismissed from this people at my own 
request, at the end of four years, that only half the four years <lonation be 
retained by me, if at the end of six years, three fourths of the four years 
donation be retained, and if 1 continue eight years that the whole be 
retained ; but if I am dismissed at the people's recjuest, no refunding shall 
l)e made. Newington, December I 7th, 1804. 

J. Brace. 

Rev. Joslma Belden was born July 19, 1724. He was a 
graduate of Yale College in the clas.s of 17-13. lie began to 
pi-eacli in Newington in May, 1747. and was oi-daiiuid as [)as- 



79 

tor Nov. 11, 1747, wlien he was tweiity-tliree years of age. 
He actively discliarged the duties of the pastoral office from 
that time till Nov. 1808, a period of fifty-six years, when the 
infirmities of age compelled him to relinquish them. The 
pulpit was then supplied by Rev. Aaron Cleveland, and per- 
haps others, till October 7, 1804, when Rev. Joab Brace began 
to preach. Mr. Brace was ordained Jaiuiary 16, 1805, euter- 
tering this " solemn connection" at the same age as his imme- 
diate predecessor had done, when he was but twenty-three 
years old. He continued the pastor of tlio cluvch till he also 
resigned, after a service of fifty years. He preached his last 
discourse as pastor, January 16, 1855. This discourse', which 
was of an historical character, was published by vote of the 
society. Dr. Brace died at Pittsfield, Mass., at the residence 
of Rev. John Todd, liis son-in-law, April 20, 1861, aged 80. 

The histoi-y of the society to the close of Mr. Belden's 
pastorate is virtually the history of Newington. For nearly 
the first century of its existence it was the only organization 
within its geographical limits. Even the church, during the 
time of Mr. Williams and Mr. Backus, has left no traces to 
show that it was in any sense separate from the society. 
Either no church records were then kept, or if kept they have 
been lost. The ecclesiastical society appointed the days Ibi- 
the ordination of the three first ministers and the days for 
fasting and prayer. No reference is made to any concurrent 
action on the part of the church. 

The society voted September 12, 1722, '• to keep Wednes- 
day, the 3d day of October, uext ensuing, as a fast, to implore 
divine assistance of God, in gathering a church of Christ 
hei'e, and in the ordination of the Rev. Mr. Elisha Williams," 
yet Mr. Williams had already preached two years, the meet- 
ing house had been raised in April, 1716, and January 15, 
1719, the society voted to call a minister, and appointed a 
committee to treat with Mr. Nathaniel Burnham. The meet- 
ing house was located by the Legislative Committee, " near 
Dea. Joseph Andrus' house," so that there was a deacon at 
that time, May 13, 1715. He was undoubtedly the first dea- 
con, and the only one befoi-e the ordination of Mr. Williams ; 



80 

whenever his name occurs he is uuilonnly given the title of 
Deacon. The second was Dea. John Deming, who is given the 
title for the first time in tlie record of the next meeting held 
after the ordination of Mr. Williams. He was probaljly 
appointed deacon at the fast, when the church was organized. 
These two were the deacons during nearly the whole of the 
ministry of Mr. Williams. Tlie name of Dea. Ahdrus appears 
for the last time in the record of the meeting held January 
6 1726. He was succeeded by Dea. Jabez Whittclsey, who 
first receives .that title in the record of the meeting held 
Aijril 15 1726. Dea. Wliittelsey eontinued to act till he 
remov6d from the place in 1745. He was probably succeeded 
by Dea Josiah WiUard, whose name next appears with that 
title in the records. ■ Dea. Willard died March 10, 1757, and 
was succeeded by Dea. Joshua Andrus. Dea. John Deming 
died May 1. 1761, and was succeeded by Dea. John (.amp, 
who was appointed July 2, 1761. Dea. John Camp was suc- 
ceeded by Dea. Elisha Stoddard, who was chosen August 14, 
1782 Dea. Joshua Andrus was succeeded by Dea. Charles 
Churchill who was chosen August 31, 1786. Dea. El.sha 
Stoddard was succeeded by Dea. James Wells, who was 
chosen August 5, 1790. Dea. Charles Churchill was suc- 
ceeded by Dea. Daniel Willard. chosen Feb. 24, 1803. Dea. 
Wells and Dea. Willard were the two deacons of the chinch 
when Mr. Brace was ordained. 

Tlie first church records kept, separate from the society 
records, are those of Mr. Belden. These records are quite 
defective as to church votes and proceedings. All the records 
of cases of discipline were purposely destroyed by him. His 
record of Baptisms, Marriages, and those who owned the Hall- 
way Covenant, appears to be complete. Tiie others are more 
or less defective. Tliese records arc appended, a.id together 
with the society records, form the treasury to which we must go 
for accurate information during the period of Mr. Belden s 
ministry Only a selection from tlic society records could be 
admitted within tlie compass of this worl<, tlic aim has been 
to present those votes wbich best illustrate the history of the 
parish They show that the powers of the society m its early 



81 

days embraced many subjects now within other jurisdictions, 
such as scliools, pounds and pound-keepers, the flocking of 
sheep, appointment of sheep-masters, the burying yard, &c. 
The minister's salaiy and the other society expenses were paid 
by " minister and society rates" or taxes which were assessed 
each year upon tlie list of all the inhabitants within the 
geographical limits of the parish. The Collector of tliese 
rates was armed with a warrant which authorized and required 
him, " in his Majesty's name," to collect the sums named in 
his rate l)ill, of the several persons therein named, and in 
default of payment, to distrain their goods and chattels, and 
for want of goods or chattels, to seize the bodies of the de- 
linquents and them to commit to the common jail, there to 
remain till they paid and satisfied the sums assessed upon 
them, unless upon application to the County Court, their 
rates were abated. With this formidable power it is pre- 
sumed the Collector was generally successful in raising the 
minister's salai-y and the society expenses. Rates were quite 
commonly paid in wheat, rye, or Indian corn, at standard 
prices, varied from year to year, and fixed by votes of the 
society, a medium of exchange more stable and certain often- 
times, than the fluctuating currency of the Colonies, especially 
when inflated in times of war or great necessities for money. 
The seats in church were not sold, neither were they free, 
but they were assigned by a committee duly appointed for 
that purpose, called " seaters," who, in seating the inhabit- 
ants, paid due regard to their list, age, parentage and useful- 
ness. During the time of Mr. Williams and Mr. Backus, the 
male and female portions of the audience were separated, but 
afterwards men and their wives were permitted to worship 
together. When the second meeting house was built, the theji 
modern invention of pews was substituted for seats, in the '-J 
lower part of the house. In the first meeting house, though-; 
its walls were not lathed and plastered for some years, no 
artificial heat ever warmed the hearers in their devotions. 
Not till after Mr. Brace's settlement was this innovation made. 
The zeal of the worshipers more than supplied the want of 
luxuries. The long doctrinal sermons of the day enabled 
11 



82 

them to become well grounded in the tenets of their religion, 
and better qualified to give j'easons for the faith that was in 
them, than the worshipers of tlie present day, who, in moi-e 
luxurious churches, listen to less exhaustive sermons. Cases 
of discipline were more common then than now, probably be- 
cause the watch and care of the church over its members were 
more strict and constant, the church members fewer in number, 
and the church moi-e accustomed, from the union of the church 
and State, to wield the arm of power than at present ; then 
there was also one prolific source of evils, tlie sin of intem- 
perance, far more common in the church than to-day. The 
circumstances of the times in which they lived in the last 
century, tended to make our fathers and mothers rugged in 
body, and strong in mind and character. They were trained 
amid privations and necessities, contest succeeded contest 
with Indians, French, and lastly with the English. They had 
to grapple with nature itself, and turn the wild wilderness 
into the cultivated field, to build roads and bridges, meeting 
houses and school houses, causing endless disputes between 
conflicting interests. The first settlers had to fight against 
the adverse influences of a new climate, diseases laid them 
low, and death consigned them to the " place of silence." 
Educated in such a school they were taught, first, reliance on 
God, second, reliance on themselves, and they became valiant 
soldiers, whetlier battling for their spiritual or temporal inter- 
ests. They laid the foundation of religion and education, 
bi'oad and deep. They builded better than they knew. Let 
their descendants, while they reap the benefits of their toil, 
also cherish and honor their memory. " Tell ye your children 
of it, and let your children tell their children, and their 
children another generation." 



THE FIRST RECORDS 



CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH IN NEWINGTON, 

CONTAINING 

Admissions to Communion, Baptisms, Those ^A^ho 

Ackno^Arledged the Baptismal Covenant, 

Church Votes and Proceedings, 

Marriages and Deaths, 

From November 11, 1747, to January 16, 1805, 

AS KEPT BY 

Rev. JOSHUA BELDEN, Pastor. 



Admissions to Communion. 

Feb. 9, 1752. Stephen Deming and his wife were admitted to full 
communion. 

April 26. Louis (Lois), the wife of Phinehas Andrus, being recom- 
mended from Stepney, was accepted to communion with this 
church. At the same time Abigail, the wife of John Frary, 
recommended from East Guilford, was accepted to communion. 

June 28. Mary, the wife of Daniel Kilborn, recommended fi'ora Kil- 
lingworth, was accepted to communion. 

Nov. 26. Penelope, the wife of John Camp, was admitted to full 
communion. 

April 1, 1753. David Goodrich was admitted to full communion. 

At the same time Henry Kircum, with his wife, recommended from 
New Cambridge, were received again to communion. 



84 

June 1, 1755. Prudence, the wife of Timothy Kilborn, and Happy 
Kilborn were admitted to full com. 

At the same time Mr. David Webster, with his wife, recommended 
from Glasseubury, were admitted to church privileges. 

Aug. 3. Peletiah Buck, jr.. and his wife, were admitted to full 
communion. 

Dec. 4. Mercy Lamb was admitted to full communion. 

June 6, 1756. Jemima Lamb " " 

Jan. 16, 1757. Abigail, the wife of David Woolcut, recommended 
from Guilford, was accepted to church privileges. 

Dec. 3, 1758. Sarah, the wife of Thomas Francis, recommended 
fiom East Middletown, was accepted to church privileges. 

April 6, 17C0. Sarah Wells, admitted to full commimion. 

May 3, 1761. Mr. Simon Backus " " 

July 4, 1762. Thomas Francis " " 

INIarch 6, 1703. Thomas Wright •' " 

May 1. Henry Kircum, jun., " " 

July 3. Martha, the wife of Ensign Chas. Hurlhut, admitted to full 
communion. 

May 6, 1704. Caleb Andrus admitted Uj full communion. 

July 5, 1767. Mr. Zadock Hun " 

May 7, 1709. Eunice AVoolcot " 

Sept. 3. Dorothy, the wife of Luther Latimer, received to commu- 
nion. 

At the same time Hannah, wife of David Woolcut, jun., recommended 
from Windsor, was accepted to stated com. 

Nov. 5. Joseph ChurchU and his wife were admitted to full com- 
munion. 

At the same time James Wells was admitted to communion. 

April 29, 1770. Martha Wells and Eunice Lusk admitted into com- 
munion. 

July 1. Elijah Wells and Mary Lusk were admitted to full com- 
munion. 

Nov. 1. Gamaliel Deming and Rebecca, his wife, Cloe Wells and 
Absalom Wells were admitted to communion. 

July 28, 1771. Ashbel Seymour was admitted to full communion. 

Jan. (), 1772. Elias Francis and his wife were received to full com- 
munion. 

March 1. Capt. Charles Churchill and his wife received to full 
communion. 

At the same time Lucy Camp was admitted to full eonimunion. 

Nov. 1. Jessie Churchill and Sarah, his wife, recommended from 
New Cambridge, admitted to communion. 

Dec. 13, 1772. Hannah Fairchild, admitted to communion and 
baptised. 

Jan. 3, 1773. Louis Latimer, received to full communion. 

April, 1774. Fitch Hurlhut and Jemima, his wife, recei%-ed to 
communion. 

June 25. Mary, wife of Joseph Stoddord, and Dinah, wife of Enoch 
Slodilord, receivi-d into the church. 



85 

March 5, 1775. Honor Belden, recommended from tlie first church 

in Norwich, was accepted to stated com. 
July 7, 1776. Hannah, wife of Martin Kellogg, jr., recommended 

from Caanan, received to stated commnnion. 
Sept. 1. Lydia Fox andLydia Buck, admitted to communion. 
April 20, 1777. Eobert Welles, jr., and Abigail, his wife, Mary 

Belden and Martha Belden were admitted to fall communion. 
May 4. Elisba Stoddord and Hannah, wife of Jonathan Curl is, 

were received to communion. 
June 22. Daniel Willard, jun., renewed covenant and was received 

into full com. 
June 29. Lemuel Hurlbut and Tabitha, his wife, received to full 

communiou. 
Feb. 15, 1778. William Richards renewed covenant and was received 

to full com. 
Aug. 9. Sarah, wife of Jedediah Mills was admitted to church 

communiou. 
April 2, 1780. Levi Hurlbut and Martha, his wife, and Mercy, the 

wife of 8aml. Churchill, were admitted to church com. 
May 7. Elizabeth, w^ife of Bernard Romans, admitted to church 

com. 
The same day Love, the wife of James Lusk, recommended from 

Suffield, received to communion. 
July 2. Jemima Kellogg, admitted to full com. 

" 23. Amos Buck, and Abigail, his wife, admitted to church 

com. 
Oct. 29. Justus Francis, received to church com. 
Feb. 25, 1781. Thankfull Seymour, admitted to church com. 
May 6. Tabitha, wife of Elias Andrus received to communion, re- 
commended from East Windsor. 
Oct. 14. Mable, wife of Amos Andrus Webster, recommended 

from Worthington Church, received4o stated communion. 
May 4, 1783. Capt. Robert Welles, received to church com. 
Oct. 0. Elizabeth, wife of George Woolcutt, received to church 

com. 
Jan. 4, 1784. Anne Deming was admitted to church communion. 
Feb. 20, 1785. Ephraim Peterson and his wife, recommended from 

the church at Piermont, were admitted to church communion, and 

privately. 
May 1. Oclaviaand Rhoda Belden admitted to church communion. 
Sept. 4. Abel Andrus admitted to full communiou. 
Feb. 19, 1786. Sarah, wife of Oswell Rockwell, admitted to church 

com. 
March 5. Abigail, wife of James Welles, recommended from Bristol, 

was received to stated com. 
At the same time, also, Elizabeth, wife of Simon Welles, recommended 

from East Guilford. 
June 25. Obediah Smith admitted to church com. 
1781 or 1782. Dorothy, the wife of Elislia Stoddord, was admitted 



86 

to full communion, but not being entered at the time the exact date 
is forgotten. 

March 4, 1787. Lois, wife of Justus Francis, recommended from N. 
Britain, admitted to stated communion. 

Sept. 2. Rhoda, wife of Abel Andrus. recommended from "West 
Hartford, received to stated com. 

Sept. 16. Mary, wife of David Stoddord, admitted to church com- 
munion. 

Nov. 4. Isabel Coruwell, recommended from New Britain, received 
to communion. 

Nov. 1, 1789. Silas Churchill, admitted to church com. 

Jan. 24, 1790. Judith, wife of John Hurlbut, and Hannah, wife of 
Abijah Wright, admitted to church com. 

Nov. 7. Eleazur Merrill and his wife recommended from West 
Hartford, were received to com. 

Sept. 4, 1791. Elizabeth, wife of Roger Francis, recommended from 
New Britain, was received to stated com. 

Oct. 16. Lt. Sam'l Hurlbut was admitted to church com. 

Jan. 8, 1792. Waitstill Dickinson and his wife admitted to full 
com. 

At the same time Elizabeth, wife of Ephraim Deming, was admitted 
etc. 

Feb. 26. Simon Welles was admitted to church com. 

Aug. 26. Jerusha Seymour, admitted to full com. 

May 4, 1794. Rose, negro woman, recommended from Durham, ad- 
mitted to church com. 

Sept. 6, 179.5, Elizabeth, wife of Elias Seymour, Honor, wife of 
Ashbel Seymour, and Abigail Hubbard were admitted to full 
com. 

Oct. 25. Admitted to church communion, Martha Fox and Mary 
Atwood, the last baptized at the same time. 

July 3, 1796. Janna Deming and his wife, and Josiah Francis and 
his wife were received to full com. 

Nov. 6. Widow Mercy Oris wold and Abigail, the wife of Josiah 
Griswold, recommended from West Hartford, were admitted to 
church com. 

May 7, 1797. Levi Welles and his wife and Alma Welles were re- 
ceived to full com. 

And Sarah, the wife of Lemuel Holmes admitted (on a letter received 
from Stepney). 

July 2. Honor, wife of Jonathan Blin, Lucy Welles and Lucy Gay- 
lord weie admitted to full communion, 

July 1, 1798. Eleazur Brown and Anne, his wife, recommended 
from the Church in New London, were received to com. 

July 14, 1799. Hannah Andrus and Clary Welles were admitted to 
full com'mnnion with the church. 

Also Eleazur Merrill and his wife received again, recommended from 
New Britain, where they have resided some lime. 

Sept. 1. Eraslus Seymour, admitted to com. 

Nov. 3. Mary Kellogg, 2d, admitted to com. 



87 

March 2, 1800. Silva, wife of Michel Wriyht and Aune Camp were 

admitted to full com. 
Sept. 7. Levi Deming, Aslibel Seymour, jr., INIary Lowry and 

Jemima Kellogg were admitted to full com. 
Nov. 2. Prudence Merrii admitted to full comnuiuion. 
March 1, 1801. Joshua Belden, jur., and Dorothy, his wife, admitted 

to full communion. 
May 3. Francis Coslet was admitted to full com. 
Dec. 20. Oledine Andrus admitted to com., and baptized. 
Same time, Eunice Seymour received to church com. 
March 14, 1802. David Lowry and his wife received to com. 
April 17, 1803. Roger Hurlbut received to com. 
Oct. 30. Anne Andrus admitted to com. and baptized. 
Nov. 6. Lydia Andrus received to com. 
Nov. 4, 1804. Esther Latimer admitted to com. 
Dec. 23. Anne, the wife of Elizur Andrus, aud Louis, wife of Fitch 

Andrus, were admitted to communion. 

Admissions, total, - - - - 169 

Feb. 17, 1805. Absalom Welles aud Lorania, his wife, were rece'ed 

to church com. 

January 1 6, 1 805 : 
Members, 51 



IL 



Baptisms. 



Nov. 15, 1747. Elizabeth, d. of 
Josiah Kilborn. 

Dec. 6tli. Abigail, d. of Stephen 
Deming. 

Dec. 13. Abraham, s. of Elisha 
Warren. 

Dec. 27. Bela, s. of Benj. Good- 
rich, and Elizur, s. of Benajah 
Andrus. 

Jau. 24, 1747-8. Epaphras, s. of 
Tliomas Stoddord. 

Jan. 31. A.shbel, son of Beavil 
Seymore, Theodore, s. of Israel 
Bordman, and Rhoda, d. of Sol- 
omon Deming. 

Feb. 14. Jeames, s. of William 
Wells, and Oliver, son of Jona- 
than Churchil. 



Mar. 6. Cloe, d. of Wm. Andrus. 

At same time, John, s. of John 

Lusk, and Daniel, .son of Heze- 

kiah Deming. 
May 1. Hannah, d. of Samuel 

Hun, and Elias, son of Josiah 

Francis. 
May 29. Eunice, d. of David 

Woolcot. 
July 10. Eliphalet, s. of Elipha- 

let Whittlesey, jr., and Abigail, 

d. of Zebulon Robbins, per Mr. 

William Burnham. 
Nov. 2. Solomon, son of Amos 

Hurlbut. 
Nov. 27, 1748. Timothy, son of 

Timothy Kilborn, and Patience, 



d. of Mary Barns, once Mary 

Woolcot. 
Dec. 4. Asa, s. of Solomon Dern- 

ing. 
Dec. 18. Benjamin, s. of George 

Kilborn. 
Dec. 25. Hannali, d. of Daniel 

Willard, and Lucy, d. of Phin- 

eas Cole. 
■Ian. 1, 1748-9. Honor, daugh. of 

Wid. Hantial) Wliaples. 
Jan. 12. Hannah, d. of diaries 

Cliurchil. 
.Tan. 15. Sarah, d. of Sam'I Hun. 
Feb. 19. Elizabeth, d. of Joseph 

Hurlbut. 
Mar. 6. Jeames, ?. of Tlu.s. Stan- 
ley, jr., in the mothers right. 
April 2. Lucy, d. of John Camp. 
April 9. Abigail, dau. of Capt. 

Robert Wells, and Araos, s. of 

Samuel Buck, per Mr. James 

Lock wood. 
April 23. Anne, dau. oC Martin 

Kellogg, jr. 
May 21. Josiah, son of Elijah 

Andrus, Benajah, son of Israel 

Bordman, and Aron, s. of Sam'I 

Richards, all per Mr. Daniel 

Russell. 
May 28. Esther, d. of Stedman 

Young. 
June 18, 1749. Thankfull, d. of 

Gideon Hun. 
July 9. Reuben, son of Judah 

Wright. 
Oct. 8. Sarah, d. of Robt. Wood- 
ruff. 
Oct. 29. Martha, d. of William 

Wells. At the same time, 

baptized, Elias, son of Josiah 

Wright, and Timothy, son of 

Timothy Goodrich. 
Dec. 3. Hannah, dau. of Elisha 

Warren. 
Jan. 17, 1749-50. Louis, dau. of 

Timothy Judd. 
Mar. 25, 1750. Rhoda. dau. of 

Benjamin Goodrich. 



April 22. Thankful. A. of Beavil 

Seymore. 
May 20. Silas, son of Benajah 

Andrus. At the same time, 

baptized, Eunice, dau. of John 

Lusk. 
June 24. Abel, s. of Josiah Hinsdil. 
July 8. Elizabeth, d. of Joseph 

Deming. 
Aug. 12. Lydia, d. of Thomas 

Stoddonl. 
Aug. 19. David, s. of Eliphelet 

Whittlesey. At the same time, 

baptized, Martha, d. of Phineas 

Cole. 
Aug. 26. Elijah, son of Oliver 

Atwood. At the same time, 

baptized, Lemuel, s. of Amos 

Hurlbut. 
Nov. 11. Justus, son of Josiah 

Francis, per James Lockwood. 
Nov. 25. William, s. of Daniel 

Willard. 
Dec. 9. Rosanuah Deming, d. of 

Stephen Deming. 
Dec. 16. William, son of Elijah 

Buruham. 
Dee. 23. Sarah, d. of Stephen 

Kellogg. 
Jan. 20, 1751. Martha, dau. of 

Joshua Belding. At the same 

time, baptized, Jonathan, s. of 

Ezra Balding. 
Feb. 3. Hannah, d. of Ephraim 

Blin. 
Mar. 3. Eliphalet, s. of Samuel 

Richards. 
Mar. 17. Hannah, d. of Thom.is 

Robbins. 
Mar. 24. Seth, s. of Noah Stan- 
ley. At the same time, baptiz- 
ed, Elizur, s. of Jauna Deiniug. 
Mar. 31. Ruth, d. of Jos. Andrus. 
April 10. John, son of Charles 

Hurlbut. 
April 14. Ruth, dau. of Robert 

Woodruff. 
Aug. 18. Elisha, s. of Ebenezer 

Smith, jr. 



89 



Sept. 22. Asel, son of Judah 
Wright. At the same time, bap- 
tized, Mary, d. of John Peirce. 

Nov. 24. Ann, dau. of Zebulon 
Goodvich. At the same time, 
baptized, Kate, d. of Stephen 
Lee. 

Dec. 15. Mary, d. of Sam'l Hun. 

Dec. 29. Abigail, d. of Zebulon 
Stoddord. 

Jan. .5, 1752. Hannah, d. of Eli- 
slia Warren. 

Jan. 12. Justice, son of Josiah 
Wright. 

Jan. 26. Anne, d. of Joshua Bel- 
ding. At the same time, bap- 
tized, Melicent, d. of Zebulon 
Goodrich. 

Feb. 2. Samuel, s. of Jno. Lusk. 

Feb. 16. William, s. of Joseph 
Hinsdil. 

Mar. 29. Robert, s. of William 
Lusi<. 

April 5. Lot, s. of Thos. Stanley, 
jun. 

April 12. Elias, son of Janna 
Deming, per Mr. Dan'l Russell. 

May 3. Eunice, dau. of Gideon 
Hunn. 

May 10. Levi, s. of Oliver At- 
wood, Hannah, dau. of Amos 
Hurlbut, and Timothy, son of 
Timothy Killiorn. 

June 7. Levi, s. of Chas. Chur- 
chill. 

July 5. Nathaniel, s. of Stedman 
Youngs. 

July 12. Elizabeth, d. of Steph. 
Kellogg. 

July 20. Rosil, s. of Bevil Sey- 
more. 

Aug. 2. Elijah, son of Gideon 
Griswould. 

Aug. 23. Joseph, s. of Joseph 
Hurlbut. 
September, N. S. begins. 

Oct. 7. Mary, dau. of Gamaliel 
Deming. 

12 



Elijah, s. of Elijah An- 
Hanna, d. of Ephraira 
Keturah, d. of Phineas 



Oct. 21. 

drus. 
Oct. 29. 

Blin. 
Nov. 12. 

Andru 
Dec. 1 0. John, s. of Jno. Peirce, 

and Mary, d. of John Frary, upon 

his wife's rijht. 
Feb. 18, 1753. Elias, s. of Jos. 

Andrus. 
Mar. 4. Finances, d. of Ebenezer 

Smith, jun. 
April 8. Daniel, son of Daniel 

Willard. At the same time, 

baptized, Lucina, d. of Josiah 

Francis. 
April 29. John, son of Elijah 

Stoddord. 
May 20. Asaph, s. of Eliphelet 

Whittlesey. 
June 17. Appleton, s. of Capt. 

Robert Wells, per Mr. James 

Lockwood. 
Aug. 12. Abigail, d. of Joshua 

Belding. 
Sept. 21. Abigail, dau. of Caleb 

Webster. 
Sept. 23. Mary, dau. of Charles 

Churchil. 
Oct. 14. Martha, dau. of Elijah 

Kircum. 
Oct. 21. Louis, d. of Bevil Sey-_ 

mour. 
Oct. 28. Sylvia, i»«r-S Noah 

Stanley. 
Jan. 6, 1854r^ Daniel, s. of Janna 

Deming. 
Jan. 20. Samuel, s. of Zebulon 

Stoddord. 
Jan. 27. Sylvia, dau. of Stephen 

Deming. At the same time, 

baptized, Samuel, s. of Gideon 

Griswould. 
Mar. 3. Mary, d. of Mr. David 

Webster. 
Mar. 24. Hulda, dau. of Jo.siah 

Atwood, jr. 



2 



90 



April 21. Lydia, tlau. of John 

Richards. 
May .5. Samuel, s. of .Jouatlian 

Whaples. 
June 2;i. .Simon, son of William 

Wells, and Solomon, s. of Jo- 

siah Wright, per Mr. J. Lock- 
wood. 
June 28. Mable, dau. of Darius 

Stevens, privately. 
Aug. 25. John, s. of Benjamin 

Goodrich. 
Sept. 29. Abigail, d. of Solomon 

Deming. 
Nov. 10.' Rhoda, d. of Thomas 

Sioddord, vSeth, s. of Timothy 

Kiiborn, Rebecca, d. of Gama- 
liel Deming, and Kosil, son of 

Ephraim Bliu. 
Dec. 22. Elijah, son of William 

Lusk. 
Jan. 26, 175.5. Samuel, sun of 

Israel Bordman. 
Feb. 2. Josiah, s. of Amos Hurl 

but. 
Feb. 23. Eunice, dau. of Caleb 

Woolcott. 
Mar. 2. Solomon, son of Joel 

Jones, in the mother's right. 
Mar. 16. Eleanor, d. of Martin 

Kellogg. 
Mar. 30. Abigail, d. of Eben- 

ezur Smith, jr. 
April 20. John, s. of Oliver At- 

wood. 
May 4. Charles, son of Charles 

Churchil, and Chester, son of 

Stephen Kellogg. 
July 13. Elijah, son of Zebulon 

Goodrich. 
Aug. 31. Mary, dau. of p:iijah 

Stoddord. 
Sept. 6. Seth, s. of David Lusk. 
Sept. 18. Dorothy, d. of Elipha- 

let Whittlesey. At the same 

time, baptized, Jonathan, s. of 

Nathaniel Kircum. 
Sept. 21. Rose, d. of Elijah An- 

drus, and Lydia, d. of Peletiah 

Buck, jr. 



Nov. 2. Thoma-s, son of Janna 

Deming. 
Nov. 13. AVilliani, s. of Samuel 

Richards. 
Dec. 7. James, son of Josiah 

Francis, and Sarah, d. of James 

Lu<k. 
Dec. 14. Mary, dau. of Joshua 

Belding. 
Dec. 28. Elizur, s. of Jonathan 

Whaples. 
Jan. 9, 1756. George, s. of Jo- 
siah Atvvood. 
Jan. 25. Sarah, dau. of Joseph 

Andrus. 
Feb. 22. .Josiah, son of Josiah 

Kilboru. 
April 4. Eli, s. of Jos. Hurlbut. 
April 25. Joseph, s of Jonathan 

Curtice, in the mother's right. 
July 18. Ruth. d. of Noah StMu- 

ley, and Elijah, son of John 

Richards. 
Aug. 1. Rhoda, d. of Capt. Rob- 
ert Wells. 
Sept. 19. Leonard, s. of Steph. 

Deming. 
Nov. 7. Sarah, dau. of Zebulon 

Stoddord. 
Nov. 21. Elizabeth, d. of Josiah 

AVright, and Isaac, son of Joel 

Jones, in the mother's right. 
Jan. 23, 1757. Silas, s. of Eph. 

Blin. 
Feb. 6. David, s. of Mr. David 

Webster, Asa, s. of Beli Blin, 

and Rhoda, d. of Mary Hurl- 
but. 
Mar. 20. David, s. of Benjamin 

Goodrich, and Louis, d. of Jas. 

Blin. 
April 3.* Levi, s. of Wm. Lusk. 
April 10. Samuel, s. of Charles 

Churchil. 
May 22. Cloe, d. of Nathaniel 

Kircum. 
June i). Lydia, d. of Dan'l AVil- 

lard. 
Aug. 1. Cloe, dau. of Peletiah 

Buck, jr. 



91 



Aug. 14. Appleton, s. of Phine- 
has Andnis. 

Alio;. 28. Happy, dau. of Louis 
Kilborn. 

Sept. 4. Jemima, d. of Martin 
Kellogg. 

Oct. 2. Sarali, d. of .Joshua Bel- 
ding. 

Oct. 9. Rhoda, d. of Josiali At- 

• wood, jr. 

Nov. 6. Sarah, dau. pf Thomas 
Wright. 

Nov. 13. Asa, s. of Josiah Fran- 
cis. 

Jan. 1, 1758. Mable, d. of Elijah 
Stoddord. 

Jan. 15. Elisha, s. of Capt. Ele- 
phelet Whittlesey. 

Mar. 5. Anne, d. of Janna Dem- 
ing, and Sarah, d. of Gamaliel 
Deming. 

Mar. 26. Hannah, d. of Jonathan 
Curtis, in the mother's light. 

April 9. Stephen, s., of Stephen 
Kellogg, per Mr. Clark. 

June 18. Uli, s. of Jos. Hurlbut. 

Oct. 8. William, s. of Bell Blin. 

Oct. 22. Amos, s. of Amos Hurl- 
but. 

Dec. 31. Hannah, d. of Charles 
Churchil. 

Jan. 7, 1759. Abigail, d. of Jo- 
siah Wright, per Mr. Smalley. 

Feb. 10. Sarah, d. of Jonathan 
Blin, and Abijah, s. of Thomas 
Wright. 200 

Mar. 18. Samuel, son of Henry 
Kircum, jr. 

April 15. Samuel, s. of Samuel 
Buck. 

/May 20. Elizabeth, d. of Wait- 
still Deming. 

June 3. Rebecca, dau. of Israel 
Bordman. 

July 8. Anne, d. of Joshua Bel 
ding, the 2d of that name, and 
Sylvia, d. of Stephen Deming. 
his 2d of the same name. 



.July 15. William, son of Joel 
Jones, in the mother's right. 

Aug. 19. Esther, d. of Zebulon 
Stoddord. 

Oct. 21. Miles, s. of Miles An- 
drus, in the mother's right. 

Nov. 11. Anne, dau. of Amos 
Hurlbut. 

Nov. 25. Sarah, dau. of William 
Atidrus, and Simon, s. of Tim- 
othy I^ilborn. 

Jan. 20, 1760. Anne, d. of Solo- 
mon Stoddord. 

Mar. 6. Titus, s. of Jos. Deming. 

April 13. Eunice, dau. of Janna 
Deming. 

May 11. Rhoda, dau. of Josiah 
Atwood, per ]Mr. Russell. 

May 18. James, s. of Jas. Blin. 

May 25. Simeon, son of Stephen 
Kellogg. 

July 6. Esther, dau. of Joseph 
Hurlbut. 

July 20. Nathaniel, s. of Elijah 
Kircum. 

Oct. 5. Elizabeth, d. of Elijah 
Stoddord, per Mr. .Smally. 

Oct. 12. Roger, s. of Capt. Ele- 
phalet Whittlesey. 

Oct. 26. Allin, s. of Josiah Fran- 
cis, and Hannah, dau. of John 
Russel. 

Nov. 23. Sarah, Olive, and Ste- 
phen Churchil, grand children 
to Ensign Sam'l Churchil, and 
on his and his wife's account, 
and John, s. of Henry Kircum, 
jun. 

Dec. 28. Stephen, son of Amos 
Hurlbut. 

Jan. 25, 1761. Irene, d. of Miles 
Andrus. 

Feb. 15. Asa, s. of Thos. Wright. 

Mar. 1. Ephraim, s. of Waitstill 
Deming, and Jonathan, son of 
Bela Blin. 

April 5. Joseph, son of Justus 
Woolcutt. 



92 



April 19. Miles, s. of Jonathan 
Curlis, in the mother's right. . 

May 3. Isaac, s. of Sam'! Buck. 

July 19. Simeon, s. of Stephen 
Kellogg. 

July 26. My seventh daughter, 
afterwards called Martha. 

Sept. 27. Robert, s. of Robert 
"Wells, jr. 

Oct, 11. Hannah, d. of Ebenezer 
Dickinson. 

Dec. 2. Privately, Orrin, son of 
Elijah Kircum, being like to 
die. 

Jan. .3, 1762. Louis, d. of John 
Squires, in the mother's right. 

Jan. 10. Hannah, dau. of Justus 
Woolcut, per Mr. Snialley. 

Jan. 17. Ruth, d. of Amos Hurl- 
but. 

Feb. 28. Martin, s. of Gamaliel 
Deming. 

Mar. 28. Sarah, dau. of Martin 
Whittlesey. 

April 18. Silvia, d. of William 
Andrus. 

May 16. John, s. of Janna Dem- 
ing. 

May 23. Mehitable, d. of Miles 
Andrus. 

Aug. 21). Jonathan, s. of Jona- 
than Wright. 

Sept. 19. Anne, d. of Benjamin 
Andrus. 

Oct. 3. Jonathan, s. of Jonathan 
Blin. 

Dec. 12. Nancy, d. of Frances 
Deming. 

Jan. 16, 1763. John, s. (jf Thos. 
Wright. 

Jan. 30. Ruth, d. of Joseph An- 
drus, jr., per Mr. Smally. 

Mar. 27. Elisha, s. of Jas. Blin, 
and Mary, d. of Wm. Wells, jr. 

April 6. Fast Day. Ezekiel, s. 
of Waitstill Deming, and Rosil, 
s. of Hezekiali Francis. 

April 24. Prudence, d. of Sam'l 
Woolcut. 



May 1. Roger, son of Josiah 

Francis. 
June 12. Martin, son of Amos 

Hurlbut. 
July 3. Elizabeth, d. of Elijah 

Stoddord, and Anne, d. of Jona- 
than Stoddord. 
July 24. Phiuehas, s. of Phine- 

has Andrus, and Justus, son of 

Justus Woolcutt. 
Sept. 1 1 . Leonard, s. of Stephen 

Deming. 
Oct. 30. Octavia, dau. of Joshua 

Belding. 
Dec. 25. Robert, son of Francis 

Deming. 
Jan. 8, 1764. Abigail, dau. of 

Uobert Wells, jr. 
April 8. Seth, s. of Bela Blin. 
April 22. Luther Latimer and 

Levi Steel. 
May 20. John, s. of Sherman 

Bordman, Eunice, d. of Henry 

Kircum, and Lavinia, dau. of 

William Wells, jr. 
May 27. Ciuthia, d. of Stephen 

Kellogg. 
June 3. Samuel Johnson, son of 

Samuel Andrus, in the mother's 

right. 
July 1. Clorinda, dau. of Miles 

Andrus. 
Aug. 5. Solomon, son of Capt. 

Charles Churchil. 
Aug. 19. Mary, d. of Jonathan 

Wright, per Mr. Snialley. 
Sept. 9. Pamela, d. of Joseph 

Andrus, jr., and Mehitable, d. 

of Julias Hurlbut. 
Sept. 30. Nabby, d. of Timothy 

Kilborn. 
Oct. 7. Hezekiah, s. of Hez. At- 

wood. 
Oct. 21. Hosea, s. of Hez. Fran- 
cis. 
Jan. 13, 1765. Seabury, dau. of 

Justus Woolcutt. 
Jan. 27. Lorauia, d. of. Benja- 
min Andrus. 



93 



Feb. 27. Sylvester, s. of Gama- 
liel Deming. 

Mar. 17. Nathan Wright. 

Mar. 31. Uni, s. of James Blin. 

April 14. Phineha's, s. of Chris- 
topher Hurlbut, and Lydia, d. 
of Nathan Wright. 

April 28. Cloe, dau. of Janna 
Deming, and Barzillai, son of 
Mary Welles. 

May 12. Amos, s. of Abel An- 
drus. 

May 19. Frederick, s. of Wait- 
, still Deming. 

June 23. Michael, s. of Thomas 
Wright. 

July 28. Seabury, d. of Jonathan 
Stoddord. 

Aug. 25. Hannah, d. of Lemuel 
Whittlesey. 300 

Oct. 20. Cinthia, d. of William 
Andrus. 

Dee. 1. Unni, s. of Unni Rob- 
bins. 

Jan. 19, 1766. Lucy, d. of Jona- 
than Blin. 

Mar. 2. Abigail, dau. of Henry 
Kircum. 

Mar. 16, Absolom, s. of Robert 
Wells, jr. 

Mar. 30. Barzillai, s. of Francis 
Deming. 

May 18. Hannah, dau. of Bela 
Blin. 

June 1. Rhoda, dau. of Joshua 
Belding. 

July 6. Rosetta, dau. of John 
Squires, in the mother's right. 

July 20. Christopher, s. of Chris- 
topher Hurlbut. 

Aug. 17. Elijah, son of Elijah 
Stoddord, Phebe, dau. of Miles 
Andrus, and Thomas and Selah, 
twin sons of Hez. Francis. 

Sept. 14. Elenor, dau. of Elias 
Hurlbut. 

Sept. 28. Phinehas, s. of Hez. 
Atwood, and Orrin, s. of Eben- 
ezer Dickinson. 



Oct. 12. Ruth, dau. of Abel An- 
drus. 

Oct. 19. Timothy, son of Samuel 
Andrus. 

Nov. 2. Norman, son of Justus 
Woolcut. 

Dec. 7. Joseph, son of Joseph 
Andrus, jr. 

Feb. 1, 1767. Prudence, dau. of 
Unni Kobbins. 

Feb. 22. Eiios, s. of Wm. Welles, 
jun. 

Mar. 22. Lucretia, d. of Wait- 
still Deming. 

Mar. 29. Thankfull, d. of Benj. 
Andrus. 

April 19. Joseph, s. of Stephen 
Kellogg, per Mr. 

May 10. Honour, dau. of Janna 
Deming. 

July 26. Lucina, d. of Gamaliel 
Deming. 

Sept. 6. Jeny, dau. of Jonathan 
Stoddord, and Step., Lieut. Kel- 
logg's Negro man. 

Sept. 20 Selah, s. of Dr. Sara'l 
Richards. 

Nov. 1. Sarah, dau. of Thomas 
Wright. 

Dec. 13. Roger, s. of Lemuel 
Whiltlesy. 

Dec. 27. Roger, s. of Levi Hurl- 
but. 

Mar. 18, 1768. Gemaliel, son of 
Sherman Bordman, privately. 

Mar. 27. Sarah, twin d. of Sher- 
man Bordman. 

April 3. My tenth child, .Joshua. 

May 8. Jason, son of Miles An- 
drus. 

July 17. Simon, s. of Bela Blin. 

Aug. 14. Rosetta, dau. of John 
Squires, and Rosetta, his wife. 

Sept. 11. Gideon, son of Chris- 
topher Hurlbut, and Whitely 
Hun, s. vSamuel Andrus. 

Oct. 2. John, s. of Elijah Stod- 
dord. 



94 



Feb. 19. Rhoda, d. of William I 

Aiulnis. 'I 

April IC. Silas, s. of Capt. Clias. ; 

Churchil, Sarali, dau. of Josiah 

Francis, and Jared, s. of Abel 

Andius. 
Mny 7. Selah, son of Waitstill 

Deming. j 

June 4. Hannah, dau. of Robert 

Wellies, jr. 
June 29. , dau. of Jemima j 

Hun, privately. 
Auji. 20. Mary, d. of Margaret 

Kelly, alias Kilb — 
Sept. 1 0. Josepb, s. of Francis 

Deraing. 
Oct. 1. Amanda, d. of Hezekiah 

Francis. 
Nov. 5. Uzziel, son of Luther 

Latimer, and Charles, son of 

Justus Woolcutt, in the moth- 
er's right. 
Mar. 11, 1770. Rhoda, dau. of 

Gamaliel Deming. 
Mar. 25. Dorothy, d. of Lemuel 

Whittlesey, and Frederick, s of 

Asa Audrus, on the mother's 

account. 
April 15. Sarah, dau. of Henry 

Kircum, Benajah, s. of Miles 

Andrus, and Martha, dau. of 

Elias Hurlbut. 
April 29. Anne, d. of Mr. Jos. 

Camp. 
May 13. Hannah, d. of David 

Woolcut, jr., in the mother's 

right, and Gideon, s. of Eunice 

Lusk. 
July 29. Honor, d. of Jonathan 

Stoddord. 
Aug. 6. Gad, s. of Janna Dem- 

ing. 
Oct. 21. Mary, dau. of Francis 

Deming. 
Oct. 28. Rhoda, d. of Sherman 

Bordman. 
Dec. 2. Roger, son of Justus 

Woolcut, in the mother's right. 
Dec. 5. An infant of Asa An- 



drus, privately, in the mother's 
right. 

Dec' 30. Martin, s. of Unni Rob- 
bins. 

Mar. 29, 1771. Thode, son of 
Samuel Andrus. 

May 19. William, s. of Christo- 
pher Hurlbut. 

May 26. Levi, son of Eli Stod- 
dord, and John, s. of Jas. Camp. 

June 16. John, s. of Jno. Squires, 
in the mother's rii;ht. 

July 21. Elizabeth, d. of John 
Kelley, in the mother's right. . 

July 28. Allin, son of Abel An- 
drus. 

Aug. 4. Ebenezur, s. of Ebene- 
zur Dickinson. 

Sept. 22. Roger, s. of Waitstill 
Deming, and Jerusha, dau. of 
Elias Seymour. 

Oct. 27. Louis Latimer. Rec'd 
to full communion. 

Feb. 9, 1772. Samuel, s. of Rela 
Blin. 

Mar. 29. Esther, dau. of Luther 
Latimer. 

May 17. Lydia, dau. of David 
Woolcutt, jr., in the mother's 
right. 

May 24. Lydia, dau. of Thomas 
Wright. 

May 31. David, s. of Elias Sey- 
mour. 

June 28. Lemuel, s. of William 
Andrus, and Rachel, twin dau. 
of Elias Francis ; his twin son, 
Elias, baptized privately June 
24, died the 25th. 

July 5. Lemuel, son of Lemuel 
Whittlesey. 

July 26. Jonathan, s. of Jona- 
than Stoddord, per Mr. Clark. 

Aug. 9. Adonijah, son of Heze- 
kiah Frances. 

Aug. 16. Sam'uel, son of John 
Graham, and Lucy, d. of David 
and Lucy Lowry. 

Sept. 6. Samuel, s. of Jas. Caiup. 



95 



Sept. 20. James, son of .James 
Welles. 

Oct. 4. Levi, s. of Janna Dem- 
ing. 

Nov. 1. Ithamer, son of Jesse 
Cliurchil, and Lucy, liis wife. 

Nov. 22. Levi, s. of Levi Hurl- 
but. 400 

Deo. 13. Hannah Fairchikl, re- 
ceived to full communion. At 
the same time, baptized, Roxil- 
lana, d. of Kli Stoddord. 

Jan. 31, 1773. Phebe, d. of Elias 
Hurlbut. 

April 1 1 . Dorothj', d. of Gama- 
liel Deming. 

May 2. Pejrg, d. of Step., Negro 
ot Lieut. Kellogg. 

May 9. Anne, d. of Mr. Joseph 
Camp. 

June 13. Lyman, s. of Waitstill 
Deming, aud Clara, d. of John 
Graham. 

June 20. Martin Blin, s. of Ben- 
ajah Bordman. 

June 27. Elizabeth, d. of Levi 
Churchil. 

July 25. Jemima, d. of Samuel 
Andrus. 

Feb. 6, 1774. Hannah, dau. of 
Abel Andrus, and Elizabeth, d. 
of David Woolcutt, jr. 

Feb. 20. Haunal), d. of Martin 
Kellogg, jr. 

April 24. Nancy, dau. of Elias 
Seymour. 

June 12. Hannah, dau. of Hez. 
Francis. 

June 26. Mary, wife of Joseph 
Stoddord, and Dinah, wife of 
Enoch Stoddord, and received 
into the church, and Solomon, 
s. of Enoch Stoddord, in the 
mother's right. 

July 26. Eiizur, son of Elizur 
Deming, privately, died the 
night after. 

Oct. 2. Lucy, d. of Jas. Welles. 

Oct. 23. Hannah, dau. of Bela 
Blin of Canaan. 



Nov. 6. Abigail, dau. of .James 

Camp. 
Dec. II. Seth Hun, s. of Elias 

Francis. 
Jan. 22, 177.i. Seth, s. of Levi 

Hurll'ut, per Mr. Marvin. 
April 16. Cloe, dau. of Asa An- 
drus, in the mother's right. 
April 30. Chaunccy, s. of Lem'l 

Whittlesey, and Abigail, dau. of 

Uui Robbins. 
May 28. Chester, son of Elijah 

Welles. 
June 18. Absalom, son of Elias 

Hurlbut, and Elishaba, dau. of 

Enos Hun. 
June 25. Titus, s. of Miles An- 
drus, and Mary, dau. of John 

Graham. 
July 23. .Joseph and Zebulon, 

sons of Joseph Stoddord. in the 

mother's right, per Mr. Perkins. 
July 30. Eleanor, d. of Mr. Jos. 

tlamp. 
Aug. 13. Mary, d. of Eli Stod- 
dord. 
Sept. 24. Olive, d. of Jonathan 

Stoddord. 
Dec. 3. Elizabeth, dau. of Elias 

Seymour. 
Jan. 7, 1776. David, s. of David 

Woolcutt, jun. 
Jan. 14. Lydia, dau. of Lemuel 

Churchil. 
April 22. D. of Luther Latimer, 

privately, being sick. 
June 30. Mary, dau. of Martin 

Kellogg, jr. 
Sept. 1. Cloe, d. of Lydia Buck. 
Sept. 28. Hannah, d. of Lemuel 

Hurlbut, at the point of death. 
Oct 20. Nathaniel Cady, son of 

Jesse Churchill. 
Nov. 10. Son of Elias Francis, 

per Mr. Smalley. 
Feb.. 16, 1777. Hezeklah, s. of 

Hez. Francis. 
April 6. Clary, d. of Jas. Welles. 
April 27. James, son of Elizur 

Deming, per Mr. Perkins. 



96 



July 6. Cloe, d. of Elislia Stod- 
dord. 

All":. 3. Hannah, dau. of John 
Gridiam. 

Sept. 7. Abigail, d. of Jas. Blin, 
and Hannah, d. of Lem'l Hurl- 
but. 

Sept. 14. Sarah, dau. of Elijah 
Welles, and Moses, s. of James 
Camp. 

Nov. 2. Levi, s. of Levi Hurl- 
but. 

Dec. 28. Ashbel, son of Ashbel 
Seymour. 

Jan. 4, 1778. Cliauncey, son of 
Lemuel Whittlesey. 

Feb. 22. Hezekiah, s. of Joshua 
Beldiug. 

JNIay 18. Leonard Chester Hub- 
bard, grandson of Steph. Dem- 
ing, per Mr. Smalley. 

Aug. 2. Adonijah, son of Hez. 
Franeis,, and Sarah, d. of Jos. 
Camp. 

Sept. 13. Betsy and Sally, ds. of 
Jedediah Mills, and Sarah, his 
wife, in the mother's right, per 
Mr. Smalley. 

Dec. 6. Mary, dau. of David 
Lowry, and Austin, s. of James 
Welles. 

Jan. 17, 1779. Lemuel, son of 
Lemuel Hurlbut, and Noble, s. 
of Levi Clnirchil. 

April 4. Theode, s. of Elias Sey- 
mour. 

May 2. David, s. of Enos Hun, 
and Jemima, d. of Martin Kel- 
logg, jr. 

May 23. Sarah, d. of John Gra- 
ham. 

June 6. Nancy, d. of Jas. Blin. 

July 18. Erastus, sou of Ashbel 
Seymour. 

Sept. 12. Jemima, dau. of Elias 
Hurlbut. 

Se])t. 19. Oriu, s. of Ebeuezer 
Dickinson. 

Sei)t. 26. Alary, dau. of James 
Camp. 



Oct. 10. William, son of James 
Mitchell, in the mother's right, 
and Juliet, d. of Jedediah Mills, 
in the mother's right. 

Oct. 17. Asaph, sou of Lemuel 
Whittlesey. 

Oct. 31. Enos, s. of Elias Dem- 
ing, in the mother's right. 

Dec. 17. Chester, sou of Samuel 
Churchil, privately, in the moth- 
er's right. 

Feb. 13, 1780. Elisha, son of 
Elisha Stoddord. 

Feb. 27. Samuel, s. of Benajah 
Bordman. 

May 28. Hubert, s. of Bernard 
Romans, in the mother's right. 

July 21. A child of Justus Fran- 
cis, privately, on profession and 
promise of public covenant. 

Oct. 1 Alma, d. of Elijah Welles. 

Oct. 22. Mary and Persis, ds. of 
Joseph Stoddord. in the moth- 
er's right, and William, son of 
Lemuel Hurlbut, and Tabitha, 
his wife. 

Dec. 24. Appletou Andrus, s. of 
.Justus Francis. 

Feb. 25, 1781. DoUe, dau. of 
Amous Buck. 

April 8. Beulah, child of James 
Welles 

April 22. Lydia, d. of Samuel 
Prat, in the mother's right. 

May 6. Anne, d. of Elizur Dera- 
ing. 

May 13. William, son of Elias 
Deming, in the mother's right. 

May 20. Lydia, d. of Abel Au- 
drus, per Mr. Perkins. 

May 27. Rebecca, dau. of Enos 
Hun, and Eunice, dau. of Elias 
Seymour. 

June 17. Wealthy, dan. of John 
Graham. 

July 8. Joseph, s. of Jos. Camp, 
and Candace, d. of Jos. Stod- 
dord, in the mother's right. 500 

Aug. 5. Barzillai, sou of Levi 
Hurlbut. 



97 



Aug. 26. Martin, son of Martin 
Kellogg, jr. 

Sept. 2. Stephen, son of James 
Mitchell, in the mother's right. 

Sept. 16. Abigail Belden, dau. of 
James Lusk, per Mr. Smalley, 
in the mother's right. 

Oct. 14. Amos Andrus, son of 
Amos Webster, in the mother's 
right. 

Oct. 28. Mercy, dau. of Lemuel 
Hurlbut. 

Nov. 20. Clarissa, dau. of Elias 
Andrus, privately, in the moth- 
er's right. 

April 14, 1782. JeJediah Welles, 
son of Jedediah Mills, in the 
mother's right. 

April 21. Asaph, s. of Lemuel 
Whittlesy, per Mr. Perkins. 

May 5. Truemaii, s. of Hezekiah 
Francis. 

July 4. Elizabeth, dau. of Eliza- 
beth, widow of James Camp. 

Sept. 22. Niiomi, d. of William 
Andrus. 

Oct. 20. Bevil, son of Ashbel 
Seymour, and Abigail, his wife, 
and Elizur, s. of Elizur Dom- 
ing. 

Nov. 24. Simeon, son of Elisha 
Stoddord. 

Jan. 19, 1783. Mary Anne, d. of 
Samuel Churchill, in the moth- 
er's right. 

April 6. A child of Amos Buck, 
privately, being sick. 

July 6. Lydia, dau. of Elijah 
Welles. 

July 27. Origen, son of James 
Welles. 

Aug. 31. Prudence, d. of Lem'l 
Hurlbut. 

Oct. 5. Samuel, son of Samuel 
Pratt, and Hannah, his wife, on 
her account. 

Oct. 26. George, William Nott, 
Elizabeth, and Sarah, children 
of Geo. Woolcut, in the moth- 
er's right. 

13 



Nov. 2. Daniel, son of Amos 
Webster, in the mother's right. 

Jan. 10, 1784. An infant of Ellas 
Hurlbut, privately, being like to 
die. 

Jan. 11. Rachel, dau, of Elias 
Seymour, 

Feb. 15. Daniel, son of Daniel 
Willard, jr. 

Feb. 22. Daniel, son of James 
Mitchel. per Mr. Fen, in the 
mother's right. 

March 28. Keturah Andrus, d. 
of Justus Francis. 

May 9. Larena, d. of Martin Kel- 
logg, jr., in the mother's right. 

June 20. James, son of Joseph 
Camp, and Joseph, s. of Joseph 
Stoddord, in the mother's right. 

Oct. 17. Sylvester, son of Levi 
Hurlbut, and Leister-Chaun- 
cey, son of Enos Hun. 

Oct. 24. Polly, d. of Unni Rob- 
bins. 

Feb. 6, 178.5. John Clmrchil and 
Rebecca iMckiu'^, children of 
Benajsdi Bordman, bro't down 
from Arlington 

Feb. 20. Betty, d. of Ephraira 
Paterson. 

Feb. 27. Harriet, d. of Lemuel 
Hurll)ut, and Harriet, dau. of 
Jedediah Mills, in the mother's 
right. 

April 3. John Atwood, son of 
Amos Buck. 

May 1. Olive, d. of Capt. Jona- 
than Stoddord. 

June 12. John, son of Samuel 
Churchill, in the mother's right. 

Aug. 21. vSilvester, s. of James 
Lusk, in the mother's right, per 
Mr. Fenn. 

Nov. 6. Erastus, son of Amos 
Webster, in the mother's right. 

Jan. 29, 1786. Martha, dau. of 
Elias Deming, on the mother's 
account. 

Feb. 19. Joseph, son of Oswell 
Rockwell, in the mother's right. 



Mar. 5. Charles Belden, son of 
Levi Churchill. 

April 16. Ellas, s. of Ellas Sey- 
mour. 

May 21. Prudence, d. of Sam'l 
Pratt, on tlie mother's account, 
and Samuel, s. of Joseph Stod- 
dord, in the mother's right. 

June 11. Samuel, s. of Lemuel 
Hurlbut, per Mr. Fen. 

July 2. Polly, Harry Blin, and 
Sarah, 3 children of Obadiah 
Smith. 

July 30. William, s. of James 
Welles. 

Aug. 13. Hannah, d. of Ephraim 
Paterson. 

Aug. 27. Nancy, dau. of Elizur 
Deming. 

Oct. 15. Aliln, s. of Dea. Elisha 
Stoddord and Dorotiiy, his wife. 

Dec. 22. Mathew, s. of Ichabod 
Patterson, privately, being dan- 
gerously sick. 

Mar. 4, 1 787. Asaph, s. of Dan- 
iel Willard, jr. 

Mar. 11. Octavia, twin dau. of 
Levi Churchill. 

May 20. Alma, d. of Jos. Camp, 
and Rachel, d. of Elijah Welles. 

Sept. 23. Charles, son of Levi 
Hurlbut, and at the same time, 
Thadeus, s., and Olive and Sul- 
ly, ds., of David Stoddord, on 
the mother's account. 

Oct. 7. Hezekiah, son of Elias 
Seymour, and Chancy, son of 
Amos Buck, presented by the 
mother. 

Nov. 11. Archibald, s. of Simon 
Welles, in the mother's right. 

Dec. 9. Sarali, dau. of Lemuel 
Hurlbut. 

Dec. 30. Josiah Belden, son ofj 
Samuel Churchill, in the moth- j 
er's right. 

Jan. 27, 1788. Martin, s. of Capt. 
Roger Welles, in the mother's 
right, and Daniel, s. of Ozwell 
Rockwell, in the mother's right. 



April 27. Rachel, dau. of Zadok 

Hindale, in the mother's right. 
May 8. Gaylord, son of James 

Welles. 
July 20. Lydia, dau. of David 

Stoddord, offered by the mother. 
Aug. 10. Lucy, d. of Elias Dem- 
ing, in the mother's right. 
Sept. 21. Love, d. of Jas. Lusk, 

in the mother's right. 
Sept. 28. Leonard, son of Amos 

Webster, in the mothi-r's right. 
Dec. 14. Ebenezur, son of Obe- 

diah Smith. 
April 5, 1789. Mary, d. of Col. 

Roger Welles, in the mother's 

right. 
May 3. Harvy, son of Justus 

Francis. 
Aujr. lb. Martin, s. of Lemuel 

Hurlbut, per Mr. Marsh. 
Oct. 2.5. Martin, son of Ashbel 

Seymour, per Mr. Fenn. 
Dec. 18. An infant of Abijah 

Wright, privately, on the moth- 
er's engagement. 
Feb. 28, lt90. Fanny, dau. of 

Simon Welles, in the mother's 

right. 
May 9. Lucy, Mary, Billy and 

John, children of Jno. Hurlbut, 

in the mother's right, per Mr. 

Marsh. 
May 23. Alma, dan. of Oswell 

Rockwell, in the mother's right. 
June 6. Charlotte, Lucy, and 

Kate, ds. of Abijah Wright, on 

his wife's account. 
July 25. Lucy, dau. of Obediah 

Smith. 
Aug. 1. Lucy, d. of Jos. Camp. 
Sept. 26. Roger, s. of Col. Roger 

Welles, in the motiier's right. 
Nov. 7. Allen, s. of .John Hurl- 
but. in the mother's right. 
Nov. 21. Jedediah, s. of Elias 

Deming, per Mr. Marsh, in the 

mother's riglit. • 
Jan. 16, 1791. Charles, son of 

Levi Hurlbut, and Anson, s. of 



99 



Justus Francis, per Mr. Smal- 

ly- 

Feb. 6. Thankful, dau. of Elias 

Seymour. 
May 8. Prudence, d. of Martin 

Kelloj;g, jr. 
May 22. Charles, s. of Samuel 

Churchill. 
Nov. 24. Fanny, dau. of Simon 

Welles. 
Jan. 29, 1792. Ira. Hannah and 

Alva, child'n of Waitstill Dicli- 

inson. 
Feb. 5. Oliver, son of Ephraim 

Deraing. 
Feb. 26. Honor, dau. of Ashbel 

Seymour, and Lydia, dau. of 

Amos Webster. 
June 10. .Justus, son of Ozwell 

Rockwell. 
July 29. Anne and Cinthia, twin 

ds. of Elijah Welles. 
Aug. 26. Rhoda, dau. of Daniel 

Willard. 
Sept. 2. Sophronia, dau. of Dea. 

James Welles. 
Sept. 23. Jesse and Octavia, chil- 
dren of Widow Mary Stoddord. 
Sept. 30. Charles, son of Roger 

Francis. 
Nov. 15. Privately, Samuel and 

Mercy, twin children of Sam'l 

Churchill, one ill, not like to 

live. 
Feb. 3, 1793. Laura, d. of Eph. 

Deming. 
April 21. George Whitfield, s. of 

Simon Welles, per Mr. Smalley. 
May 12. Esther, dau. of David 

Stoddord. 
July 14. Charlotte, dau. of Col, 

Welles, per Mr. Fen. 
Aug. 11. Newman, s. of Justus 

Francis. 
Oct. 6. Chauncy, son of John 

Hurlbut. 
Mar. 9. Mable, d. of Amos A. 

Webster. 
June 1. Lecta, dau. of Martin 
Kellogg. 



Aug. 31. Lydia, dau. of Elias 
Deming. 

Sept. 21. Amzi, son of Roger 
Francis. 

Aug. 19, 1795. Jerusha, dau. of 
Ephraim Deming. 

Oct. 25. Mary Atwood, adult 
person. 

Nov. 15. Lucy and Susana, ds. 
of Roswell Fox. 

Jan. 11, 1796. Alfred, son of 
Justus Francis. 

Feb. 15. Sarah, dau. of Jemima 
Welles, relict of Gen. Roger 
Welles ; posthumous child. 

May 22. Cloe, dau. of Amos A. 
Webster, and Mary,d. of Ros- 
well Fox, presented by his wife. 

July 10. Charlotte, d. of Sam'l 
Churchill, and Robert, son of 
Ozwell Rockwell, per Mr. Fen. 

Nov. 13. Florella, d. of Josiah 
Griswold. 

May 7, 1797. Hiram, s. of John 
Hurlbut. 

May 7. Eleazur and Mary, s. and 
d. of Lera'l Holmes, privately, 
the mother, in whose right they 
were baptized, not able to pre- 
sent them publicly. 

June 4. Mary, dau. of Ephraim 
Deraing. 

June 11. Lydia, Levi, and Hor- 
ace, children of Levi Welles, 
and Hannah, his wife. 

July 30. Sally, Lucy, Erastus, 
and Polly, children of Jonathan 
Blin, in the mother's right, per 
Mr. Smalley. 

Nov. 4. Privately, Betsy, dau. 
of Roger Francis ; died a few 
hours after. 

Mar. 4, 1798. Cyrus, son of 
Justus Francis. 

May 27. Hannah, dau. of Levi 
Welles, per Mr. Smalley. 

June 3. Hannah, d. of Samuel 
Churchill. 

Sept. 23. A child of Roswell 
Fox, per Mr. Perkins. 



100 



Nov. 29. Jonathan, s. of Jona- 
than Blin. 

May U», 1799. Nathan, son of 
Oswell Rockwell. 

Oct. 6. Cyrus, son of Amos A. 
Webster. 

Jan. 5, 1800. Silas, Caroline, 
Benjamin, Hannah, Sophia, and 
Mary, children of Levi Chur- 
chill. 600 

Jan. 31. Mary, dau. of Michael 
Wright, privately, dangerously 
ill. 

Mar. 15. Laura, dau. of Justus 
Francis. 

April 11. Salome, dau. of Lucy 
Gaylord. 

June 8. Cinthia and Thomas, 
child'n of Michael Wright, and 
Silvia, his wife. 

June 15. Fanny, d. of Josiah 
Griswold. 

Mar. 1,1801. Lemuel Whittlesy, 
son of Joshua Belden, jr., and 
Dorothy, his wife. 

June 28. Sarah, Rachel, Mary 
Goodrich, and Smith, children 
of Frances Coslet. 

July 26. Lucy, dau. of Samuel 
Churchill. 



Oct. 11. Joseph, son of Dr. Jos. 

Linde, and Martha, his wife and 

my daughter, of Hartford. 
Dec. 20. Oledine Andrus, rec'd 

into the church. 
Aug. 1, 1802. Thomas, son of 

Michael Wright. 
Aus. 8. Sabra, dau. of Jonathan 

Blin. 
Aug. 22. Robert, son of Josiah 

Griswold. 
Feb. 27, 1803. Erastus, son of 

.Justus Francis. 
July 31. Mary, Cinthia, and 

.Samuel Smith, child'n of Roger 

Hurlbuc. 
Dec. 10. Privately, the first child 

of Ashbel Seymour, jr., it be- 
ing dangerously sick, per Mr. 

Cleaveland. 
Nov. 25, 1804. Chancy, son of 

Joshua Belden, jr. 



From Nov. 11, 1747, to Jan. 
16, 1805: 

Baptisms, . . . 622 
Admissions to Communion, 169 
Deaths, . . .443 
326 



IIL 

Baptismal Covenant Acknowledged. 

Nov. 22, 1747. Stephen Demiiig owned (he covenant. 
Dec. 6. Benijah Andrus " " 

" 13. Elisha Warren, with his wife and Israel Bordman, owned 

the covenant. 
Jan. 31, 1747-8. Solomon Darning, with his wife, owned the 

covenant. 
Feb. 14. Josiah Francis, with his wife, and Jonathan Churcliil, with 

his wife, and Lj'dia Francis, owned the covenant. 
July 24. Sarah Kircum " " 

Nov. 27. Mary, the wife of Jloses Barnes, owned the covenant. 
Dec. 18. Charles Churchill and widow Hannah Whaples owned the 

covenant. 



101 

Feb. 7, 1750. Ann, the wife of Samuel Steel, owned the covenant. 

*' 7. Mary Smitli and Mary Goodrich " " 

Dec. 1 6. Stephen Kellogg and his wife " " 

March 24, 1751. Anne, the wife of Janna Darning, owned the 

covenant. 
April 14. Ebenezur Smith, jun., with his wife and Pelatiah Buck, 

owned the covenant. 
May 26. Joseph Crowfoot owned the covenant at Kensington. 
Sept. 22. John Peirce owned the covenant. 

Feb. 2, 1752. Mary, the wife of John Peirce, owned tlie covenant. 
Aug. 2. Gamaliel Deming and his wife " " 

March 4, 1753. Elijah Stoddord and his wife " " 

Oct. 14. Elijah Kircum " " 

Jan. 27, 1754. Gideon Griswould " " 

May 5. Jonathan Whaples and his wife " " 

Sept. 15. Elias Hart and his wife owned the covenant at N. Britain. 
May 18, 1755. Sarah Kellogg owned the covenant. 

" 25. Jemima Lamb " " 

July 6. Cloe Rylie " " 

July 27. Elijah Smith and Jacob Brandigee owned the covenant at 

N. Britain. 
At the same time and place, William Horton entered into covenant 

and was liaptized. 
Aug. 3. Nathaniel Kircum and Eosetta, his wife, owned the 

covenant. 
Aug. 17. David Lusk and Prudencp, his wife, owned the covenant. 
Sept. 14. Appleton Burnham and his wife, and John Coleman and 

his wife, owned the covenant at Kensington. 
Oct. 19. James Lusk and Sarah, his wife, owned the covenant. 
Dec. 7. Josiah Kilborn and his wife " " 

April 25, 1756. Sarah Welles " " 

May 2. Lydia Deming " " 

Jan. 30, 1757. Beli Blin and his wife, and Mary Hurlbut owned 

the covenant. 
Feb. 13. James Blin and his wife owned the covenant. 
April 10. Hannah Deming " " 

July 24. Thomas Wriglit and his wife " " 

Jan. 15, 1758. Josiah Willard " " 

March 12. Elisha Stoddord " " 

April 16. Mary Wells and Seabury Andrus owned the covenant. 

" 23. Rebecca and Jemima Hun " " 

May 14. Tlieode Seymour " " 

" 21. Jonathan Wright and Jonathan Stoddord owned the 
covenant. 

" 28. Sarah Deming and Mary Camp owned the covenant. 
June 4. Ginea, negro, owned his baptismal covenant. 
Dec. 24. Sarah the wife of Amos Hurlbut, Sarah, the wife of 

Jonathan Blin, and Mary Whaples owned the covenant. 
Feb. 25, 1759. Henry Kircum, jr., and his wife owned the cov- 
enant. 



102 

April 29. AVaitstill Deming and his wife owned the covenant. 
June 17. Silence Wright " " 

July 1.5. Mary Seymour and Mercy Stoddord owned the covenjuit. 
Aug. 12. Rebecca Stoddord " " 

Oct. 21. Phebe, wife of Miles Andrus, " " 

Dec. 9. .John Russell and hi-; wife " " 

Jan. 20, 17(iO. Solomon Stoddord " 

April 6. Margaiet Kilborn " " 

May 25. Miles Andrus " " 

Aug. 3. Robert Wells, jr., and bis wife " " 

March 29, 1761. Justus AVoolcut and his wife " " 

Feb. 28, 1762. Martin Whittlesy " " 

July 18. Henjamin Andrus and his wife " " 

Nov. 21. Francis Deming " " 

Jan. 9, 1763. Joseph Andrus, jr., and Asenath (?) his wife owned 

the covenant. 
March 13. William Wells, jr, owned the covenant. 

" 20. Hez. Francis and his wife " " 

April 10. Sanuiel Woolcut and his wife " " 

April 8, 1764. Sherman Bordman and his wife " '• 

" 22. Luther Latimer and Levi Steel entered into covenant and 
were baptized. 
June 3. Mary the wife of Sam'I Andrus, " " 

Aug. 26. Hez. Atwood ■' " 

Sept. 9. Elias Hurlbut and Patience, his wife " " 

March 31, 1765. Christopher Hurlbut and Mary, his wife, owned 

the covenant. 
April 28. Mary Andrus, Elias Wells owned the covenant. 

May 12. Abel Andrus and his wife 
Aug.' 25. Lemuel Whittlesy and his wife 
Nov. 17. Unni Robbins and his wife 
Sept. 28, 1766. Sam'I Andrus 
Dec. 27, 1767. Levi Hurlbut and his wife 
May 8, 1768. Levi Andrus 
July 24. John Squire 
Feb. 4, 1770. Cloe, wife of Asa Andrus 
A|iril 15. Mr. Joseph Camp and his wife 
May 19, 1771. James Camp and his wife 
Some time in the winter past Eli Stoddord and his wife owned the 

covenant. 
Sept. 8. Elias Seymour and his wife owned the covenant. 
Oct. 27. Louis Latimer entered into covenant and was baptized. 
April 12, 1772. Levi Churchill and his wife owned the covenant. 
July 19. John Graham and his wife " " 

At the same time David Lowry and his wife " " 

March 21, 1773. Benajah Bordman and his wife " " 

Jan. 9, 1774. Martin Kellogg, jr., " " 

May 22. Elizur Deming and his wife " " 

Feb. 5, 1775. Enos Hunn and his wife " " 



103 



IV. 

Church Votks and Proceedings.* 

At a meetiiii; of the pastor and brethren of the church in Newington, 
March 31, 1757 : 

Whereas, through the prevalence of corruption and the abounding of 
iniquity in this evil day, many scandals are committed by such as are 
under the bond of the covenant and ou^ht to be watched over by the 
church, too many of which, by tlie neglect of a proper brotherly dealing, 
according to the rules of God's word, pass without due notice being taken 
of them, IVierefore, i'or the more eflectual preventing ur remedying such 
evils, and towards the revival of a more strict and regular discipline in 
this church, it is agreed and coled by litis church, That Samuel Churchill, 
Peletiah Buck, and David Webster be added to the standing committee 
heretotbre chosen, to advise with and assist the pastor in cases of difficulty 
which may arise, and particidarly, to' look into the propriety and regular- 
ity of any charge offered to be laid before the church, and prepare matters, 
if need be, for their hearing ; and that the said committee be further 
desired and empowered to take notice of and deal with any members of 
the church who, by common report, are guilty of scamlal, — wlicn private 
brethren, who are knowing to the scandal, neglect their duty of attending 
the rules of the gospel, — and to endeavor to heal and remove public scan- 
dal, or if they see it necessary, to bring them to a regular public hearing 
before the church. 

Ako voted, That if any member of this church, who is knowing to any 
scandal committed by another member, and shall spread it abroad or 
make it public, without first taking the steps of dealing with an offending 
brother, pn-escribed Math. 18, 15, &c., shall be accounted an offender, and 
upon conviction thereof shall make gospel satislaction, or otherwise be 
dealt with as in other cases of scandal. 

At a meeting of the pastor and brethren of the church in Newington, 
July 2, 1761, the question was put, — Whether this church would now pro- 
ceed to make choice of a deacon, to supply the place of Deacon John 
Deming, late deceased. Voted in the affirmative, Whereupon John Camp 
was chosen to the office of a deacon, and accepted it. 

At tlie same meeting. Deacon John Camp was appointed one of the 
standing church committee. 

At a meeting of the pastor and brethren of the church in Newington, 
October 29, 1761, The church proceeded to make choice of Joseph 
Andrus to be one of the standing church committee, in place of Mr. 
Josiah Deming, lately removed by death. 

January 4, 1 770, At a church meeting, &c.. Voted, That Wilham Welles, 
Joseph Hurlbut, and Dr. Samuel Richards be added to the standing 
church committee, to fill up the vacancies made by death or removal. 

Sometime in the year 177.5 : 

At a meeting of the pastor and brethren of the church in Newington, 
On motion of the pastor, the brethren of this church uianil'ested their 
opinion that the practice of this, and of many other churches in New Eng- 

* Six leaves of the records are cut out of the book as originally written, which 
is explained as follows : 

" N. B. — The leLivcs cut out in the preceding part, contained minutes of trans- 
actions, in way of discipline, of some disorderly members of the churcli, who are 
long since dead, and for obvious reasons, especially respecting thoir descendants, 
it was thought best (they) shoidd he buried in oblivion till the day of the final ac- 
count, when God will bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, 
whether good or evil. Except the following votes of the church." 



104 

land, called the "half-way covenant," i. e., admitting persons to own the 
covenant and to have their children baptized, while yet they absented 
from the Lord's table, was unwarrantal)]e, not authorised by any scrip- 
tural precept or example, and therefore consented and agreed that said 
practice should, for the future, be discontinued and laid aside in this 
cliurch. 

Attest, Joshua Beldex, Pastor. 

The above vote having been lost, yet being well remembered by the 
pastor, is now inserted among the church records.* 

J. Belden. 

May 2, 1776. At a church meeting, &c. 

Voted, This church taking into consideration the usual practice of 
persons owning the covenant and enjoying some privileges in the church, 
and afterwards renewing ihe covenant again when they would come into 
full conmiunion with the church, and that this practice is misconstrued by 
some as if there were two convenants, one not so strict and solemn as the 
other. • To prevent such mistakes. 

Voleil, That this chvn-ch are of opinion. That the public renewing the 
covenant is not to be held a necessary service of full communion for those 
persons, who have once understandingly given their public and personal 
consent to the covenant, but that .such persons, leading regular lives, if 
they desire it (and if their desire being publicly notified, no objection be 
made,) may be admitted without being required publicly to renew the 
covenant auain. Although we look upon the public renewing the coven- 
ant when persons come into full communion, even for those who have 
owned the covenant belbre, as a thing lawful and proper in itself, and 
what may be advantageous and to edification and ordinarily expedient to 
be done, yet as the usual practice has been, it is liable to misconstruction, 
and may lead the ignorant and inattentive into mistakes, it is not to be 
esteemed absolutely necessary, but may be dispensed with, when declined 
on this account. 

At a meeting of the pastor and brethren of the church in Newington, 
August 14, 1782 : 

The question being put whether this church will make choice of a 
deacon to supply the place of Dea. John Camp, late deceased, Voted in the 
affirmative, VVhereupon Elisha Stoddord was chosen to the office of a 
deacon, and accepted. 

At the same meeting Dea. Elisha Stoddord was appointed to bo one of 
the standing church committee. 

At a meeting of the pastor and lirethren of the church in Newingtbn, 
August 17, 1786, The question was put whether the church will proceed 
tu choose a deacon to succeed Deacon Andrus, late deceased. A'oted in 
the affirmative, but upon trial no choice was made, and several members 
being absent the meeting was adjourned to the 31st day of instant August. 

August 31, 1 786, The church met according to adjournment, and 
Charles Churchill, Esq., was chosen to the office of a deacon. 

May 31, 1787, At a meeting of the pastor and brethren of the church in 
Newinglon, Voted, That the deacons of this church, for the time lieing, be 
appointed to receive and improve a legacy given to this church by the 
last will and testament of deacon John Doming i'or the lasting use and 
benefit of the church, agreeable to the design of said will.f 

* This vote is inserted in Dr. Brace's church records under date of March, 
180G. 

t Dea. John Demiiig, in his last will and testament, after giving a legacy to 
" Catherine, my beloved wife, during the time of her remaining my widow," 
makes one other legacy, as follows : 

" Item. I give to my son, Jcdediah Deiuiug, all the remaining |iart of my 



105 

Also voted, 5s. out of the church treasury to Deacon Elisha Stoddord, 
for a box, to secure the vessels for the communion table in. 

August 5, 1 790. At a meeting of the pastor and brethren of the church, 
Capt. James Wells was chosen to the office of a deacon in the church (to 
succeed Deacon Stoddord) and accepted it. 

Feb. 24, 180.3. At a meeting of the pastor and brethren of the church, 
by adjournment from instant Feb. 17, Daniel VVillard was chosen to the 
office of a deacon in this church, to succeed Deacon Churchill, late 
deceased, and aecejited the office. 

At a meeting of the church of Christ in Newington, December 19, 1804, 
the following vote was passed by the brethren of the church, viz : 

Whereas the aged pastor of this church, through age and infirmities, 
being rendered unable to perform the pjblic labors of the ministry, and 
has for some time desisted therefrom, desiring another pastor may be 
sought to supply his lack of service, accordingly, after trial, with his appro- 
bation and in concurrence with the voice of the society, we make choice of 
and do now call and invite Mr. Joab Brace to take the pastoral charge of 
this church and society, and settle in the gospel ministry with us. Unani- 
mously voted in church meeting. 

Test, Joshua Beldkn", Pastor. 

At the same meeting, Voted, That the deacons James Wells and Daniel 
Willard, and Joshua Belden, jun., be a committee to act in concurrence 
with the committee appointed by the Society, in all matters thnt may be 
found necessary to effect the ordination of Mr. Joab Brace, among us in 
the ministry of the gospel. Test, J. B. 

Mr. Joab Brace's answer to the Church. 

The church of Christ, in Newington, having invited me to the pastoral 
charge of the said church, this is, therefore, in reliance on Divine aid, to 
signify my acceptance of their invitation. 

Newington, December 26th, 1804. 

Joab Brace. 

estate, both real and personal, that I have not already disposed of in tin's instru- 
ment, after my just debts are paid, with this only reserve, that in case he, the 
said .ledediah, die childless or without any heir begotten of his own body, then 
I will twenty pounds, lawful money, to the church of Christ, in Newington, to be 
improved for the lasting use and benefit of said church." 

Executed March .-il, 1761. 

" N. B. Tbat by the church of Christ, mentioned in the last legacy of the 
foregoing testament, is to be understood a church in the parish of Newington, in 
Wethersfield, regulated according to the Religious Constitution of the Colony of 
Connecticut, owned and establislied by the authority of the same. This explan- 
ation made before signing." 

Dr. Brace, in his cluirch records, has the followins entry in relation to this 
leg-acy, " How the church fund was directed from 1761 to 1787, I do not find. 
(Probably it was not received till 1787. K. W.) The fund itself consisted of 
two ten pound notes. The interest has not been quite sufficient to defray the 
expense of the comm'-.nion table. In 1805 there was a contribution to 
supply the deficiency of several years. In 1814 there was a contribution 
for the same purpose. In 1818 there was a contribution. In 1819, Jan- 
uary 1, Deacon Urigen Wells began to furnish the table, and after 21 years 
called for a contribution to supply the deficiency, aliout SIO in the whole 
21 years. Sabbath, Jan. .i, 1840, the church contrdnited about $16 to repay 
Dea. Wells, and to furnish an advance for several years. The whole fund is now 
in the hands of Dea. Origen Wells, 866.66. 6 for which Dea. Wells is accountable, 
and for which he pays the interest yearly. March 17, 1846." Dea. Wells 
resigned Nov. 29, 1849, on account of the loss of sight, when Jeremiah Seymour 
was chosen deacon in his place. This fund still remains in the hands of the 
deacons of the church. 

14 



106 



Marriages. 



Nov. 19, 1747. Was married 

Charles Churchill and Lydia 

Belding. 
Dec. 3. At evening, Joseph Cur- 
tis and Mary Kilborn. 
March 10,1748. At evening Phin- 

ehas Cole and Martha Hurlbut. 
April 28. Mr. Josiah .Jones and 

Sarah Whittlesy. 
June 16. John Steel and Lydia 

Francis. 
Sept. 7. Joseph Clark and Sarah 

Curtis. 
The. same evening, Moses Barnes 

and Mary Woolcott. 
Oct. 6. Jonathan Griswould and 

Experience Warren. 
May 4, 1749. Samuel Steel and 

'Honor Deming. 
June 15. Timothy Andrus and 

Sarah Hurlbut. 
July 10. Thomas Clap and Eu- 
nice Wells. 
Nov. 14. Samuel Steel and Aune 

Francis. 
June 14, 1750. Janna Demiug 

and Anne Kilborn. 
June 20. Mr. David Webster 

and Lydia Andrus. 
Sept. 12. Mr. — Lothrop and; 

Cloe Backus. 
Oct. 18. Ebenezer Smith, jr., 

and Mehitable Buck. 
Nov. 26. John Frany and Abi- I 

gail Stoddord. 
April 4, 1751. Capt. Sam'l But- 
ler and iS'aomi Kilborn. 
April 18. John Peirce and Mary 

Patterson. 
June 13. William Lusk and 

Hannah Arnold. 
July 18. Gemaliel Deming and 

Rebecca Kellogg. 
Aug. 15. Timothy Kilboru and 

Prudence Deming. 



Oct. 10. Daniel Kilborn and 

Mary Gushing alias Steve — . 
Nov. 7. David Sage and Louis 

Harris. 
Nov. 20. Dan Bradly and Sarah 

Judd. 
Nov. 28. Edward Patterson and 

Elizabeth Hills. 
Dee. 5. Elisha Booth and Es-^ 

ther Hollister. 
April 9, 1752. Darius Stevens 

and Louis Whaples. 
Oct. 26. Timothy Mix and Eliza- 
beth Headsdill. 
Nov. 9. David Williams and Anne 

Deming. 
Dec. 5. Elijah Stoddord and 

Mable Gillett. 
Jan. 11, 1753. John Kellogg and 

Union Stoddord. 
May 29. David Lusk and Pru- 
dence Hurlbut. 
Oct. 1 1. Jacob Brandigat and 

Abigail Dunnum. 
Oct. 17. Elias Hart and Hope 

Whaples. 
Dec. 30, 1754. James Lusk and 

Sarah Paterson. 
Feb. 12, 1755. David Dewey and 

Esther Dunnum. 
March 20. Job Hart and Eunice 

Beckley. 
March 27. At evening, Jonathan 

Curtis and wid. H. Whaples. 
April 20. At evening, Nathaniel 

Kireum and Rosetta Hliu. 
July 21. At evening, Isaac Prat 

and Mary Beckly. 
Aug. 11, 1756. Mr. Josiah De- 
ming and Experience Smith. 
Dec. 14. Eli^ha Baxter and. 

Honor Woolcut. 
Dec. 16. Beli Blm and Hannah 

Hurlbut. 



107 



Dec. 31. Thoraa? Wright and 

Esther Andrus. 
Feb. 4, 1757. Uriah Goodwin 

and INIable Francis. 
March 3. Amos Hurlbut and 

Sarah Hills. 
April 5. Elisha Wells and Ljdia 

Deming. 
June 3. Noah Fuller and Ellis 

Brown. 
July 1. Solomon Stoddord and 

Ann Andrus. 
Oct. 13. Elizur Hollister and 

Mary Balding. 
Nov. 17. Peter Buniham and 

Hannah Demiug. 
May 12, 1758. Ephraim Wool- 
cut and Mary Kellogg. 
June 14. Thomas Francis and 

Sarah Smith. 
Sept. 1. Waitstill Deming and 

Hannah Lusk. 
Oct. 31 . Henry Kircum, jr., and 

Eunice Butler. 
Nov. 17. Timothy Wadsworth 

and Happy Kilborn. 
Dec. 28. Jonathan Gillett and 

Elizabeth Steel. 
Jan. 4, 1759. Stephen De Wolf 

and Mary Whaples. 
March 15. William Andrus and 

wid. Louis Stephens. 
March 22. My brothei' Jonathan 

Belding and Sarah Belding. 
Aug. 3 1 . Samuel Woolcutt and 

Sarah Bordinau. 
Jan. 24, 17 GO. Robert Wells and 

Abigail Hurlbut. 
March 24. Justus Woolcutt and 

Rachel Bidwell. 
April 17. Jonathan Wright and 

Mary Wells. 
Aug. 18. Josiah Wright, jr., and 

Hope Hart. 
Aug. 28. Jonathan Stoddord and 

Seabury Andrus. 
Oct. 9. Quash, negro, and Tabi- 

tha Willoughby, negro. 
Oct. 30. Benjamin Andrus and 

Anne Churchil. 



Nov. 27. Martin Whittlesey and 
Sarah Deming. 

March 22, 1762. William An- 
drus, jr., and Silence Wright. 

May 20. Sam'l Woolcut, jr., and 
Prudence Robbins. 

Julv 13. Francis Deming and 
Mary Camp. 

Oct. 7. Hez. Francis and Debo- 
rah Blin. 

Nov. 25, 1762. William Wells, 
jr., and Rebecca Stoddord. 

April 28, 1763. Hez. Atwood 
and wid. Abigail Stoddord. 

June 15. Henry Kircum and 
Mary Hurlbut. 

Sept. 5. Nathan Wright and 
Lydia Wright. 

Jan. 25, 1764. Joseph Churchil 
and Elizabeth Andrus. 

April 4. Elias Hurlbut and Pa- 
tience Blin. 

April 1 2. Levi Warner and Ros- 
annah Woolcutt. 

May 23. Jabesh Ryly and Han- 
nah Goodrich, of Stepney. 

July 26. Fitch Andrus and Mary 
Wells. 

Aug. 23. Phinehas Griswould and 
Louis Hurlbut. 

Oct. 23. John Tucker and Abi- 
gail Dickinson. 

Nov. 23. Giles Deming and 
Hannah Wright, of Stepney. 

Nov. 15. Leonard Whittlesey and 
Hannah Welles. 

Dec. 2. Abel Andrus and Eu- 
nince Stoddord. 

Feb. 14, 1765. Unni Robbins 
and Mary Kellogg. 

May 23. Amos Lee and Anne 
Camp. 

Dec. 12. David Deming and 
Dorcas Beckly, Kensington. 

March 10, 1766. Amos Hurlbut 
and Sarah Latimer. 

March 25. Simeon Wright and 
Anne Whaples. 

April 6. Nathaniel Coply and 
Mary Treat. 



108 



Aug. 25. Ebenezer Goodrich 
and Abigail Collier. 

Dec. 18. Charles Morgan and 
Mehit.able Seymour. 

April 6, 1767. Luther Latimer 
and Dorothy Smith. 

June 1. Levi Ilurlbut and Mar- 
tha Hurlbut. 

March 16, 1768. Asa Andrus 
and Cloe Andrus. 
V March 24., Abel Fuller and 
Hannah Rhodes, W'd.* 

April 21. John Graham and 
Hannah Hun. 

June 23. Joseph Stoddord and 
Mary Fuller. 

Nov. 24. Abraham Harris and 
Ruth Beckly, wid., Kensing- 
ton. 

Dec. 5. Mr. Joseph Camp and 
Anne Kellog'g. 

Jan. 9, 1769. Elias Seymour and 
Elizabeth Woolcutt. 
; June 7. Enock Stoddord and 

N Dinah Fuller. 

• Nov. 2. — Sase and Patience 
Dickinson, ot Kensington. 

Nov. 29. Jesse Churchill and 
Sarah Cady, wid., Stepney. 

Dec. 4. James Camp and 'Eliza- 
beth Kilborn. 

Jan. 31, 1770. William Steel 
and Hannah Webster, Kensing- 
ton. 

July 8. Eli Stoddord and Abi- 
gail Atwood. 

The same evening, Eli Tryon and 
Sybil Hurlbut. 

March 8. David Clark of B'n, 
and Louis Andrus, of Wethers- 
field. 

March 22. William Warner, jr., 
and Abigail Robbins. 

May 9. John Ki.-lsey and Aguis 
Bowls, Kensington. 

Aug. 15. Judah Wright and Zu- 
roiah Crowfoot, Kensington. 

Dec. 20. Levi Andrus and Cloe 
Welles. 



Jan. 17, 1771. David Welles and 

Eunice Clapp. 

Ebenezer Wyman and 

Sarah Brigden. 

And Edward Brown and 

Elizabeth Graham, alias Dil- 

lings. 
April 21. David Lowry and 

Lucy Cole. 
May 1. lilias Francis and Thank- 
full Hun. 
May 2. Lemuel Woodhouse and 

Cloe Woolcot. 
1 June 27. P^phraira Deming and 

Martha Deming. 
July 11. William Smith and 

Mary Welles, wid., at W'd. 
Oct. 3i). Levi Churchill and 

Elizabeth Hurlbut. 
I Nov. 1 4. Aron Deming and Ly- 
I dia Stoddord, and James Wells 

and Lucy Wells. 
Jan. 30, 1772. Levi Wright and 
! Abigail Woolcut, W'd. 
Feb. 6. Seth Bordman and Abi- 
gail Forsdich, W'd. 
April 16. Seth Wells and Judith 

Robbins, W'd. 
April 23. Timothy Lee and 

Lucy Camp. 
April 30. Ashbel Lee and Sarah 

Hun. 
May 21. Elisha Woodruff, of 

Farminglon, and Anne Gris- 

would, of Wethersfield. 
Oct. 1. Timothy Hubbard and 

Abigail Deming. 
Nov. 12. Elijah Welles and Sarah 

Balch of W'd. 
Nov. 19. Asa Talcot, of Glassen- 

bury, and Hannah Stillman, of 

W'd. 
Jan. 18, 1773. Perez Swift and 

Hannah Fairchild. 
Feb. 4. Martin Kellogg, jr., and 

Hannah Robbins. 
April 14. Fitch Hurlbut and 

Jemima Hun. 



►W'd, an abbreviation of Wethersfield. 



109 



May 5. Deliverance Deming and 

Sarah Smith, of Wethevsfield. 
The same evenins, John Goodricli 

and Jerusha Deming, W'd. 
May f). Justus Francis and Ke- 

turah Andrus. 
And Elizur Deming and Lucina 

Francis. 
Oct. 7. Charles Bulkly and Eu 

nice Wells, W'd. 
Nov. 2.5. Ejiaphras Stoddord 

and Mary Wells, W'd. 
Dec. 8. Elias Griswould and 

Rlioda Flowers, W'd. 
Jan. 13, 1774. Elijah Welles and 

Sarah Kellogg. 
Jan. 27. John Lusk and Eliza- 
beth Kellogg. 
Feb. 28. Enos Hun and Esther 

Smith. 
May 11. Jonathan Beckly and 

Mary Webster, Worthington. 
Aug. 24. Theode Bordmau and 

Eunice Lusk, W'd. 
Oct. 10. Gershom Woolcut and 

Rlioda Robbins. 
Oct. 27. .Joseph Steel and Olive 

Churchill. 
Dec. 22. Benajah Bordman and 

Martha Churchill. 
Jan. 5, 1775. Timothy Kilboru, 

jr., and Mary Deming. 
Jan. 26. Thomas Siedman and 

Hannah Atkins, Mid. 
June 1. Nathaniel Bradley and 

Dorothy Ashly, Worthington. 
June 8. Elizur Hale and Han- 
nah Welles, W'd. 
June 28. Eleazur Aspinwall and 

Elizabeth Sleel. 
July 28. Charles Nott, jr., and 

Hannah Beckly, Worthington. 
Oct. 12. James Lusk and my 

daughter Abigail Belden (162). 
Nov. 1. Sam'l Whittimore and 

Rhoda Forsdick, W'd. 
Jan. 11, 1776. Aron Porter and 

Louis Kelsey, Worthington. 
March 28. Seth Gilbert and 

Lucy Kelsey, Worthington. 



May 2. Lem'l Fuller and Eunice 
Welles. 

June 6. Elisha Stoddord and 
Dorothy Willaid. 

Same evening, Jedediah Mills and 
Sarah Andrus. 

July 11. Solomon Beckley and 
Cloe Kircum. 

Oct. 1. John Goodrich and 
Abigail Price. 

Oct. 24. Noah WoodrufF and 
Lydia Fox. 

Dec. 17. Isaac Bidwell, of Glas- 
tonbury and Rhoda Beckly of 
Worthington. 

Feb. 13, 1777. Ashbel Seymour 
and Abigail Welles. 

Feb. 20. Jedediah North and 
AbigMil Andrus, Worthington. 

April 14. Ambrose Fuller and 
Rhofla Williams, Worthington. 

May 7. Butler Gilbert and Abi- 
gail Woodhouse, Wethersfield. 

Same evening, John Warner, 3d, 
and Mary Ann Ayrault, Weth- 
ersfield. 

May 29. John Benton and Es- 
ther Colby. Stepney. 

May 30. Ebenezur Davis and 
Rachel Andrus, W'd. 

June 2. Joseph North and Rhoda 
Blin. 

June 5. William Combs and 
Lucy Webster, W'd. 

June 9. Joseph Buel and Pa- 
tience Nott, Worthington. 

.June 12. James Bidwell, Esq., 
Hartford, and Sarah Welles, 
W'd. 

July 30. Ezekiel Smith and Ann 
Belden, Stepney. 

Sept. 11. Joseph Churchill and 
Rhoda Goodrich. 

Oct. 2. George Colafox, N. L'n, 
and Mary Robbins, W'd. 

Same_ evening, Andrew Norton 
and Sarah Kelsey, Worthing- 
ton. 

Oct. 29. Jedediah Smith and 
Elizabeth Kellogg. 



110 



Dec. 18. Enoch Kelsy, jr., and 
Keziah GiHiert, Wonhiutrton. 

Also Ames Webster and Mable 
Andriis, all of Worthington. 

Jau. 8, 1778. Robert Warner 
and Mary Clark, W'd. 

Jan. 12. John Hurlbut and Ju- 
dith Flomer. 

Ft-h. 2. BenajahTaylor and Mary 
Kircunj. 

June 15. Jesse Churchil and 
Elizabeth Belden. 

June 18. Peter and Philis, ne- 
gro servants of U. Robbins and 
L. Chester. 

Jidy 16. Sam'l Churchill and 
Mercy Bordtnan. 

Sept. '24. Lem'l Prat and Han- 
nah Woolcut. 

Oct. 13. John Ducass and Mary 
Whiiing. 

Nov. 1 9. Joseph Beckly, of Ca- 
naan, and Elizabeth Bordmau, 
of Stepney. 

Nov. 26. Elias Deniing and Mar- 
tha Welles. 

Dec. 15. Joseph Curtis and Re- 
becca Deming, W'd. 

Dec. 30. Amos Buck and Abi- 
gail Stoddord. 

Jan. 4, 1779. Levi Curtis and 
Rhoda Stoddord. 

Feb. 18. David Belden and 
Louis Woolcott, Stepney. 

April 1 4. Saul Alvert and Elea- 
nor Kelloijg. 

May 24. Moses Wright and 
Abigail Wright, W'd. 

June 3. Joseph Belden Weed 
and Susannah Woolcott, Step- 
ney. 

Sept. 9. Elizur Goodrich and 
Louis Squire. 

Nov. 10. Daniel Foot, of Pits- 
field, and Prudence Knowls, of 
W'd. 

Nov. 11. John Barnish, Hart- 
ford, and Louisa Nott, of Step- 
ney. 



Nov. 18. Obediah Smith and 

Sarah Blin. 
April 6, 1780. Ashbel Belden 

and Lydia Beckly, W'd. 
Al>o Elijah Bordman and Nancy 

Deming. 
April 7. William Bebe and Eliza- 
beth Dunston. 
May 1 1 . David Stoddord and 

Mary Thompson. 
May 22. William Parbant and 

Lydia Butler. 
May 24. Capt. Nehemiah Mer- 

ril and Sarah Welles. 
May 25. James White and Mercy 

Linsly. 
May 25. Asa Welles and Martha 

Goodrich, W'd. 
June 1. Joseph King, Canadian, 

and Bathsheba Trailor, tramper. 
June 14. William Wookutt and 

Rebecca Goodrich. 
Dec. 28. Joseph Curtis, jr., and 

Eunice Hun. 
Jan. 18, 1781. Levi Lusk and 

Happy Kilborn. 
Feb. 8. Thomas Clap and Hul- 

dah Bull, of W'd. 
March 21. Joseph Rowlandson 

and Sarah Latimer. 
April 19. Seth Kilborn and Louis 

Blin. 
Feb. 7, 1782. Abijah Flagg and 

ThankfuU Seymour. 
April 30. James Blin, jr., and 

Irene Andrus, she on a sick bed. 
May 30. Ozias Willcox and 

Mary Lusk. 
July 31. James Hogan and F — . 

Minor. 
Nov. 3. James Prat and Ruth 

Andrus. 
Nov. 14. Daniel Warner and 

Cinthia Kellogg. 
Nov. 21. Leonard Belden and 

Anne Buck. 
Nov. 28. Timothy Hubbard and 

Meliitable Beckly. 
Jan. 23, 1783. Phineas Andrus, 

jr., and Seebury Stoddord. 



Ill 



April 24. Daniel Willard. jr., 
and Rhoda Welles. 

July 3. Justus Francis and Mary 
Belden, my dau<»hter. 

Au<;. 21. Francis Deming and 
Elizabeth Churchill. 

Nov. 13. Edward Howard and 
Anne Stiiddord. 

July 1, 1784. Daniel Ayrault 
and Mary Balch, Wd. 

Sept. 1. Robert Welles, 3d, and 
Lucretia Russel ; al.-o Francis 
Coslet and Racliel Adkins. 

Sept. 23. Silas Sandford and Lu- 
cretia Deming. 

Jan. 6, 1785. Lemuel Holmes 
and Sarah Whaples. 

jMarch 27. Capt. Roger Welles 
and Jemima Kellosrg. 

April 10. Jchabod Paterson and 
Jemima Haiden. 

June 28. John Kirkum and Jan- 
net Sloddord. 

Oct. 26. Eli Hurlbut and Sarah 
Landers. 

Nov. 10. Absalom Welles and 
Lorrain Paler.-on. 

Dec. 12. Justus Woolcut and Ro- 
setta Squier. 

Jan. 17, 1786. Robert Deming 
and Lucy Blin. 

April 20. Stephen Kellogg and 
Cinthia Andrus. 

April 27. Seth Kilborn and Han- 
nah Churchill. 

Oct. 5. Charles Dix and Pru- 
dence Welles, Wd. 

Jan. 28, 1787. Zadock Hinsdale 
and Elizabeth Camp. 

April 12. Simon Kilborn and 
Eunice Kircum. 

Sept. 20. Charles Miller and 
Polly Weaver. 

Jan. 16, 1788. Edward Buttricks 
and Nabby Kilborn. 

May 11. Gideon Hubbard and 
Bathsheba Migat. 

June 2. Capt. Samuel Wyllis 
and Mary Ducass. 



June 26. Thomas Fox and Louis 
Seymour. 

Sept. 11. Ashbel Seymour an4 
Honor Willard. 

Oct. 19. David Wilterly and 
Ruth Andrus. 

Nov. 27. Ichabod Minor and 
Hannah Witterly. 

Jan. 25, 1781). Jo>iah Griswould 
and Abigail Welles. 

Feb. 17. Unni Blin and Holly 
Hunter. 

May II. Sion Wentworth and 
Rebecca Bordraan. 

Oct. 25. Jonathan Blin and 
Honor iStoddord. 

Jan. 21, 1790. Lemuel Gibs and 
Martha Hurllnit. 

Jan. 28. John Webster and Eu- 
nice Deming, Worthington. 

March 4. Aaron Hart and Sarah 
Francis. 

April 22. Bnrzillai Deming and 
Sophia Smiih. 

Dec 9. Levi Welles and Han- 
nah Welles. 

Dec. 19. Jason Buckly and Clar- 
issa Dort. 

April 21, 1791. Francis Coslet 
and Sarah Smith. 

June 30. Christopher Bebe and 
Mercy Taylor. 

Sept. 15. Curtis Welles and Han- 
nah Tryon, Wd. 

Oct. 2. Ebenezur Hart and Lucy 
Jerome, N. Bn. 

Nov. 22. Klisha Blin and Mary 
Rodes, Wd. 

Feb. 23, 1792. Prince Draper 
and Sibil Goodrich. 

May 3. John King and Sally 
Mervin, W'd. 

Nov. 4. Unni Robbins, jr., and 
Lucy Lowry. 

Dec. 30. Medad Gibs and Ele- 
anor Hurlbut. 

Jan. 17, 1793. Seth Peck and 
Mary Deming. 

Feb. 24. Selah Deming and Sarah 
Jerome. 



112 



May 22. Ozias Hurlbut and 

Euiii(!e Dealing. 
Sppt. 2(i. Jouathan Stoddordjr., 

and Candace Peck. 
Marcl) 2. 1794. Aziel Belden 

and Azubah Goodrich. 
April 13. Asa Case? and Abi- 
gail Blin. 
May 11. Isaac Buokinham and 

Lucy Belden, W'd. 
June 12. Luthei' Paterson and 

Jemima Tryon. 
Feb. 15, 1795. Michel Wi-ight 

and Silva Goodrich ; and the 

same time Stth Lowiy ? and 

Lydia Wright. 
May 27. David Gilbert and Lucy 

Squire. 
June 28. Timothy Stanly and 

Abigail Robbins. 
October 23. Juba Stephenson 

and Jenne Stouton, negroes. 
Dec. 27. Justus Cook and Mary 

Goodrich alias Webster. 
Sept. 29, 1796. Timothy Sted- 

nian and Abigail Peck. 
Nov. 29. Joseph Lynde and Mar- 
tha Belden. 
Nov. 30. James Welles,jr., and 

Eleanor Camp. 
Jan. 9, 1797. Joshua Belden, jr., 

and Dorothy Whittlesey. 
April 12. Mr. Joel Hutchins ? 

and Elizabetii Goodrich. 
May 13. Alliu Francis and Esther 

Hotchkis. 
Nov. 8. Oliver Richards and 

Lvdia Andrus. 
October 12. Mr. Silas Churchill 

and Rhbda Belden. 
Feb. 14, 1798. Bethuel Lusk 

and Elizabeth Foster, of Mer- 

iden. 
Oct. 7. Leonard Welles and Pru- 
dence Robbins. 



Oct. 19. Elisha Whaples and 
Nancy Blin. 

Nov. 29. Samuel Whaples and 
Abigail Hohnes. 

Feb. 18, 1799. Leonard Hub- 
bard and Elizabeth Churchill. 

Sept. 29. Lemuel Holmes and 
Sylvia Andrus. 

Jan. 30, 1800. Benjamin Hart 
jr., and Haimah Kellogg. 

Sept. 3il. Moses Kelsy and Han- 
nah Andrus. 

Jan. 8, 1801. Elizur Dudly and 
Anne Hurlbut. 

Jan. 18. Daniel Lamb and Pru- 
dence Fox. 

Aug. 20. Elias Dillingwood and 
Polly Richards, (Wo'rthington.) 

Nov. 2(5. Ralph Smilh, Chaiham, 
and Honor Deming, W'd. 

March 4, 18n2. AUIn Webster, 
Hartford, and PoUv Ilurlbul, 
W'd. 

June 1. Rev. Sam'l Mills, Say-' 
brook, and wid. Caty Seymour, 
West Hartford. 

Oct. 3. Ashbel Seymour, jr., and 
Mary Lowry. 

Oct. 12. Noble Churchill and 
Olive Stoddard, both of W'd. 

Nov. 25. Moses Camp and Cloe 
Stoddord. 

Jan. 2, 1803. Enos Deming and 
Pruey Lusk. 

Marcli 24. Joseph Blin and Olive 
Stoddord. 

Oct. 9. WilUara Lowry and Ra- 
chel Seymour. 

April 4, 1804. Benjamin Read 
and Bathsheba North. 
Marriages, 326. 

Feb. 24, 1807. Charies Belden 
Churcliill and P>lizabeth Hub- 
bard, both of Weatherslield. 



113 



VI. 



Deaths. 



Nov. 30, 1747. Died, Eunice, 
daughter of George Woolcot. 

Dec. 17. Widow Sarah Chur- 
cHl. 

Sept. 2, 1748. Elizabeth, daugh- 
ter of Josiah Wright. 

Sept. 5. Amos Andrus. 

Sept. 15. Hannah Andrus. 

Sept. — . Lydia, daughter of 
Josiah Jones. 

Oct. 22. Reuben Whaples. 

Nov. 4. Solomon, son of Amos 
Hurlbut. 

Jan. 2, 1748-9. Oliver, son of 
Jonathan Churchil. 

Jan. 14. Hannah, daughter of 
Charles Churchil. 

Feh. 20. Timothy, son of Tim- 
otiiy Kilborn. 

April 19. Thankful, veife of 
Timothy Andrus. 

Sept. 4. Tlie wife of William 
Lusk. 

Oct. 8. Louis, daughter of Ben- 
jamin Goodrich. 

Dec. 2, 1750. Mr. James Patter- 
son. 

April 5, 1751. Ruth, daughter of 
Joseph Andrus. 

April 12. Hannah, daughter of 
Elisha Warren. 

June 25. Sarah Goodrich. 

Sept. 17. Bela, son of Benjamin 
Goodricli. 

Oct. Mary, daughter of John 
Peirce. 

Dec. 14. Sarah, daughter of 
William Andrus. Scault to 
death. 

Feb. 8, 1752. Wife of Thomas 
Francis. 

March 20, 1752. Mary, wife of 
Samuel Buck. 

April 23, 1752. Hannah, daugh- 
ter of Ephraim Blin. 
16 



Same day, died Peter, in a fit. 
June 4. The aged widow, Sarah 

Whaples, 84 yrs. 
June 24. Mr. Joseph Hurlbut. 
July 10. Prudence, wife of Mr. 

Josiah Deming. 
Jan. 1, 1753. Mary, daughter of 

Samuel Hun. 
Jan. 1. The aged Mrs. Hun. 
Sept. 22. Abigail, daughter of 

Caleb Webster. 
Sept. 27, 1753. Mary, infant 

daughter of Charles Churchih 
Nov. 13, 1753. Capt. Martin 

Kellogg. 
Jan. 21, 1754. Mrs. Sarah 

Lamb. 
Feb. 3. Josiah Atwood, jr., his 

child. 
Maj 8. Nicholas Deming. 
May 19. Nathaniel North. 
May 24. Betty Churchil. 
Sept. 4. Semiley (or Smiley), 

wife of Jacob Way. 
Sept. 12. Jacob Whaples. 
Sept. 16. Thomas Robbing. 
Sept. 17. Gamaliel Bordman. 
Sept. 26. Mrs. Dorothy Kellogg. 
Oct. 3. Tlie Wid. Ruth Dem- 
ing. 
Dec. 14. 
Jan. 10, 

son of 
Feb. 24 

Elijaii 
May 15. 
Aug. 1 G. 

cott. 
Aug. 19. 

Steel. 
Sept. 5. 
Oct. 3. 
Oct. 13. 
Jan. 18, 
I drus. 



Josiah Kilborn. 

1755. David Churchil, 

David Churchil. 

I 1755. John, son of 
Stoddord. 
Elizabeth Stoddord. 
Wife of David Wool- 
Ann, wife of Samuel 

Violet, negro woman. 
The aged Mr. Chester. 
Wid. Sarah Whaples. 
1756. Dr. Joseph An- 



114 



Jan. 26. George, infant son of 
Josiah At wood, jr. 

Jan. 31. Curtis, son of Joshua 
Andi-us. 

March 12. Jonathan, infant child 
of Nathaniel Kircum. 

"March 1 .3. Mrs. Mercy Lamb. 

May 31. Jonathan Blin. 

June 15. Enos, son of . 

July 23. Benajah Andrus. 

July 25. Hannah, wife of Amos 
Hurlbut. 

Aug. 7. Lt. Richard Bordtnan. 

Sometime in May, I think, died 
Josiah, infant son of Amos 
Hurlbut. 

Aug. 15. Nathaniel Stoddord. 

Aug. 20. Mary, wife of William 
Wells. 

Oct. 26. Rosel, son of Bevil 
Seymour. 

Nov. 3. Elisha Andrus. 

March 10, 1757. Dea. Josiah 
Willard. 

Aug. 2. Samuel Hun. 

Aug. 24. Pelatiah Buck, jr. 

72. 

Aug. 31. Jonathan Stoddord. 

Sept. 13. Mr. Ehphalet Whit- 
tlesey. 

Nov. 4. Wid. Sarah Stoildord, 
daughter of Josiah Atwood. 

Jan. 17, 1758. Josiah Atwood. 

March 22. The aged Mr. Whit- 
tlesy. 

June 6. Silvia, daughter of Ste- 
phen Deming. 

Aug. 14. Leonard, son of Ste- 
phen Deming. 

Sept. 10. Irene, wife of William 
Andrus. 

Sept. 16. 
Atwood. 

Sept. 23. 
Anne. 



— wife of Jedediah 



My second daughter 



Jan. 7, 1759. John Bordman. 
•Jan. 13. Amos, infant son of 

Amos Hurlbut. 
May 31. Mary Willard. 
June 2. Martha, wife of Henry 

Kircum. 
June 17. Was buried an infant 

child of Josiah Atwood, un- 

baptised. 
June 2G. Nathaniel Kircum, being 

in the public service at Fort 

Edward.* 
June — . Samuel Wriglit, in the 

army. 
Aug. 26. Lt. Ebenr. Kilborn. 
Sept. 10. Cloe, daughter of the 

widow Buck, relict of Pelatiah 

Buck, jr. 
Oct. 8. Joseph Kellogg. 
Feb. 24, 1760. Anne, infant 

daughter of Amos Hurlbut. 
May 23. The Wid. Saraii An- 
drus. 
And same day buried a still-born 

child of Thomas Francis. 
May 26. Simeon, infant son of 

Stephen Kellogg. 
Oct. — . A child of Tliomas 

Wright. 
Nov. 7. Buiied, a still-born 

child of Robert Wells, jr. 
Nov. 27. Jacob Way. 
Dec. 5. Nathaniel, infant son of 

Elijah liircum. 
Dec. 13. Thode Seymour, wiih 

the !-mall-pox. 
Feb. 20, 1761. Zebu Ion Stod- 
dord buried. 
Sarah, infant daughter of William 

Andrus. 
And Bethsheba, daughter of Jede- 
diah Atwood. 
Who all died in one night. 
March 24. Joel Jones. 
April 9. Buried, an infant child 



* Fort Edward was on the site of the present village of Fort Edward, in Wa.sh- 
ington county, New York, on the east side of Hudson river, about 45 miles north 
from Albany. It was erected by the iroops undei' the command of Gen Lyman, 
in the summer of 1 75.5, who were jussembled at the " carryinq-plarn " between Hud- 
sou River and l>ako George, being the (loint where, in the expeditions against 
Canada, in the French war, the troops and stores were landed, and thence carried 
to Wood Creek, 12 miles, where they were again embarked. 



115 



of Mr. David Webster, iinbap- 

tized. 
April 19. Lydia, wife of William 

Buck. 

{lllegibk.) 
May 1 . Dea. John Deming, 82 yrs. 

May 1 2. Hannah, child of 

July 2. Child of Charles Chur- 

chil. 
July 27. My eldest daughter, 

Martha. 
Aug. 12. Mr. Josiah Deming, 73 

years. 
Aug. 13. Was buried an infant 

child of Jonathan Stoddord, un- 

baptized. 
Dec. 21. Orrin, infant son of 

Elijah Kircurn. 
July 24, 1 7 62. Ruth, daughter of 

Amos Hurlbut. 
Dec. 29. Elizabeth, dau. of Eli- 
jah Stoddord. 
Jan. 10. 1763. Peter, negro. 
March 13. Cloe Willard. 
Aug. 29, 1764. Wid. Prudence 

Bobbins. 
Oct. 3. Buried, still-born child of 

John Squires. 
Nov. 26. Wid. Grace Goodrich. 
May 30, 1765. Timothy Andrus. 
May, 1766. A child of Ebenr. 

Goodrich. 
July 1 or 2. A child of Billy Blin. 
Dec. 23. Buried, a still-born 

child of Lr. W . 

April 2.5, 1767. Hannali, wife of 

Wm. Blin. 
April 29. The aged Mrs. Chit- 
teuton. 
June 20. Rosetta, daughter of 

John Squires. 
July 21. Ensign Samuel Chur- 

chil, of a — 



Aug. 24. Stephen Kellogg, sud- 
denly, by a f — 

Sept. 24. Buried, still-born child 
of Ensign Da — 

Feb. 24, 1768. Infant child of 
Joel, negro. 

March 18. Gamaliel, infant son 
of Sherman Bordman. 

May 3. Lorania, daugh. of Ben- 
jamin Andrus. 

May 21. Reuben, negro. 

Fuller, suddeidy, at 
Capt. Churchil's. 

Nov. 22. Child of Ann Kellogg, 
immature birth. 

Dec. 24. Wid. Deming, relict of 
Dea. Jon. Deming. 

Dec. 28. Wid. Bordman, relict of 
R. Bordman. 

Feb. 26, 1769. Wid Camp, re- 
lict of Capt. Camp. 

July 1. Infant child of Jemima 
Hun. 

Oct. 1. Mercy Knowles. 

Jan. 4, 1770. Elijah Atwood. 

May 19. Dora, aged negro 
woman, about 90. 

June — . Infant child of Eli 
Tryon, unbaptized. 

Nov. 25. Johv, son of Sherman 
Bordman. 

Dec. 15. Infant child of Asa 
Andrus. 

April 23, 1771. Aged Eliz. 
Wool cot. 

Sept. 22. Aged Wid. Stoddord. 

Nov. 6. Wid. Hannaii Deming, 
above 70. 

Feb. 22, 1772. The wife of 
Fitch Hurlbut, by a f— 

May 12. Infant child of Louis— 

Aug. 31. , the wife of 

Joseph 



The original manuscript containing these church records is without covers, and 
about the size of a school writing-book. The p.aper coarse and unruled. The 
leaves worn and frayed. The writing very fine and very mucli crowded. The 
first and last le.ives have evidently become detached, and are lost As the " ad- 
missions to communion " stand first in the record the commencement of those 



116 

entries is gone, and as " deaths " stand :it the close, these entries are lost after 
the date Aug. 31,1 772. It appears, hy a memorandum on one of the leaves, that 
these records were delivered to Mr. Biiue, October 16, 1812, aljout a year before 
Mr. Belden's death. They have probably remained at the parsonage ever since, 
till quite recently. 



CHURCH COVENANT AND ARTICLES OF FAITH. 

(/« the time of Mr. Belden.') 

You believe, That there is one only living and true God, 
the Almighty Maker and constant Preserver of Heaven and 
Earth, the rightful Supreme Lord over all. Tiiat in God 
there are three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, who 
are the same in substance, equal in power and glory. That 
the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the word 
of God, and the only rule of faith and practice. 

You believe, Tiiat God made man, at first, in a holy and 
happy state ; that all mankind, by their apostacy from and 
rebellion against God, have exposed themselves to his wrath 
and curse, have fallen into a state of sin and misery, and are 
utterly unable to deliver and save themselves ; but that God, 
out of the infinite riches of his free grace, sent his only 
begotten son into the world, to be a Saviour, to die, the just 
for the unjust, tliat He might bring us to God ; and that He 
has graciously made a promise of pardon and eternal life, 
and all the saving benefits of the Redeemer's purchase to all 
that sincerely repent of their sins, believe in, heartily receive, 
and rest upon Christ for salvation, as He is offered in the 
Gospel, who, at the last great day being raised from the dead, 
shall be adjudged to eternal life, Init all others to everlasting 
punishment. 

And you do now, so far as in you lies, make choice of the 
living God for your God, your Sovereign Lord and portion 
forever ; of God the father for your father, of Christ the Son 
of God for your Saviour and Redeemer, and of the Holy 
Ghost for your Sanctifier and Comforter, and of the Word of 
God for the rule of your belief and practice.* 

*Jnly 21, 1819. At a special meeting of the church in Newington, at the house 
of the pastor. Opened witli prayer. After mature consideration it was voted, — 



117 

And you do now openly and solemnly dedicate and give up 
yourself and yours to God, to be wholly and forever liis, to 
be guided by his spirit, to be ruled by his laws, to be dis- 
posed of by his Providence, and to be eternally saved in the 
Gospel way ; promising, by the assistance of the blessed 
Spirit, that you will live soberly, righteously, and Godly all 
the days of your life ; and, as the ordinary way of God's 
conveying grace and the blessings of the Redemption to the 
souls of men, is in and by his word and ordinances, you will 
make it your care and study to walk by this rule, to attend 
upon God and draw near to him in all the ordinances of the 
Gospel and ways of His institution, herein joining yourself 
with this church so long as God, in his providence, shall give 
you opportunity, submitting yourself to the watch, discipline, 
and government of Christ, therein regularly administered, 
that so you may be edified and built up unto eternal life. 
Thus you profess and promise, giving your unfeigned assent 
and consent.f 

We do then receive you into our Christian communion and 
fellowship, praying that both you and we may find grace to 
be faithful. 

That the practice of demanding confessions of sins committed previously to a 
person's proposing to join tlie church be discontinued, and that Instead of partic- 
ular confession of individual sins, there be a clause expressive of general repent- 
ance, introduced into the covenant of personal dedication to God, viz. : — " You 
do also m.ake a solemn confession of all your past sins ; you jirofess repentance 
before God, and promise amendment of life." (This clause is inserted at this 
point in the covenant, as copied into the pulpit Bible by Dr. Br.ice. There is no 
record of any action of the church making other changes during Dr. Brace's 
ministry. — R. W.) 

tin the copy in the pulpit Bible these last six words are omitted ; also some 
other verbal alterations and omissions appear, among which m;iy be mentioned 
the omLssion of the clause added to the covenant in whicli the church recognize 
new members. This omission was supplied by vote of the church passed Feb. 28, 
1857, as follows : — " Voted, That the following words be added to the covenant, 
by which the church will recognize new members — 'We, the members of this 
church, do now receive you into our fellowship, promising, through Divine help, 
to observe towards yon all the duties which the Gospel enjoins upon us as mem- 
bers of the one body of the Lord.' " This vote was passed at the suggestion of 
Dr. Brace's successor iu the pastoral office, Rev. William P. Aiken. 



APPENDIX. 



IMPORTANT DATES. 



Dec. 20, 1708. Town meeting. Committee appointed to consider the 
petition of the West inhabitants to be a distinct 
parish. 

Dec. 14, 1709. Town meeting. Power of committee continued. 

Dec. 18, 1710. Town meeting. West inhabitants authorized to hold 
meetings among themselves four months in a year, 
released from a third of the minister's rates. 

Dec. 24, 1712. Town meeting. Petition for a distinct parish granted by 
tlie town. 

May 14, 1713. Petition to the General Assembly to confirm the grant. 

May 15, 1713. Remonstrance of the Beckleys. 

May — , 1713. General Assembly grant the charter. 

April 4,1715. Society meeting. Committee appointed " to endeavor an 
exchange " of territory. 

April 7, 1 715. Farmington proprietors consent to the exchange. 

April 11, 1715. First Society of Farmington also consent. 

May — , 1715. Petition to the General Assembly to confirm the ex- 
change. 

May 13, 1715. Beckleys execute a bond, which is lodged in the Secre- 
tary's office. 

May — , 1715 General Assembly appoint a committee " to go upon the 
place," consider the subject of an exchange, and 
report. 

Oct. — , 1715. Committee report in favor of the exchange. 
" " General Assembly accept the report and confirm the ex- 

change, annexing the Bcckley quarter to the Great 
Swamp Society, and the Stanley quarter to New- 
ington. 

April 5, 1716. First Society meeting recorded, Josiah Willard chosen 
clerk. 
First meeting house raised that month. 

Dec. 15, 1718. West Society first called Newington in the record of this 
meeting. 

Jan. 15, 1719. Society vote to call a minister to preach till last of March, 
1720. 
Committee appointed to treat with Mr. Nathaniel Burn- 
ham. 

April 6, 1720. Society appoint a committee to treat with Mi-. Elisha 
Williams. 



Aug. 


5, 


1720. 


Dec. 


21, 


1720. 


May- 
May 


10, 
25, 


1721. 


Feb. 


8> 


1722. 


Sept. 


5, 


1722. 


Oct. 


3, 


1722. 


Oct. 
Dec. 


17, 
31, 


1722. 
1723. 


May 


22 


1 724. 


Oct. 


^ 


1725. 



119 

Society make choice of Rev. Elisha Williams as their 

minister. 
Mr. Williams' settlement fixed at £170. Salary £50 

a year. 
Society vote to petition the General Assembly for relief. 
General Assembly grant relief, and name the Society 

Newington. 
Society vote to build a pulpit, a deacon seat, and finish 

lower part of meeting house. 
Society vote to put in windows above as well as below in 

meeting house. 
Fast. Church organized, preliminary to ordination of 

Mr. Williams. 
Rev. Elisha Williams ordained. 

Drum to be purchased. First school committee ap- 
pointed. 
The trustees of Yale College make conditional choice of 

Mr. Williams as rector. 
The trustees report to the Assembly their unanimous 
choice of Mr. Williams as rector, and ask aid for the 
parish, which is granted. 

May 4, 1726. Committees of the College and Society agree that New- 
ington should receive £200 16s. for the removal of 
Mr. Williams to the College. 

May 12, 1726. Trustees petition Assembly for help again. Granted. 

May 25, 1726. Rev. Simon Backus called to preach on probation. 

June 1, 1726. Mr. Russel, jun., of Middletown, to be invited to preach 
on probation ; if he decline, then Mr. Backus to be 
invited. 

Aug. 24, 1 726. Rev. Simon Backus called to be the minister. 

Sept. 7, " He accepts the call. Settlement, £175. Salary, £70 to 
£90. 

Nov. 4, 1726. Trustees of Yale College pay the Society's committee 
£200 16s. 

Jan. 11, 1727. Fast, preliminary to ordination of Mr. Backus. 

Jan. 25, " Mr. Backus ordained. 

May 16, 1732. The Society petition the Assembly for relief for their 
minister. Not granted. 

Dec. 16, 1734. The society vote to finish the meeting house. 

Oct. — , 1 745. The Governor and Council impowered to appoint a chap- 
lain to the forces in garrison at Louisburg. Mr. 
Backus appointed afterwards. 

March 15, 1746. Mr. Backus dies at Louisburg, while at his post as chap- 
lain. 

May 8, 1746. Mrs. Eunice Backus petitions the Assembly for relief for 
the loss of her husband in the public service. 
Granted. 

May 10, 1747. Rev. Joshua Belding began to preach for the society. 

June 15, 1747. Society vote to call him as their minister. 

Nov. — , 1747. Fast, a few days before Mr. Belding's ordination. 

Nov. 11, " Mr. Belding ordained. 

May 12, 1748. Josiah Deming, as agent of the society, petitions the 
Assembly for relief for the loss of their minister in 
the public service. £150 granted, in bills of credit. 

May — , 1754. The Stanley quarter annexed to the new society of New 
Britain, and Beckley quarter confirmed to Kensing- 
ton for a consideration. 



120 

Oct. — , 1757. Beckley quarter incorporated as a school district. 

Oct. — •, 1772. WorthingtOQ society organised, including Beckley quar- 
ter. 

March 23, 1774. Society vote to lease the parsonage for 999 years. 

April 6, 1 7 74. Mr. Belding releases to the society his right to the par- 
sonage. 

March 10, 1783. Society vote to be divided into three school disti'icts. 

April 14, " Society approve of the division of districts reported by 
committee. 

April 29, " Society vote to build two school houses at the north and 
south ends. 

Dec. 6, 1784. Society vote to petition town to buy land of Capt. Kel- 
logg, for a green. 

May, 1794. Certain territory adjoining Worthington, annexed to 

that society " for parochial purpose merely." 

Oct. 3, 1796. Last votes of the society on the subject of schools. 

Aug. 28, 1797. Final vote to erect and finish a meeting house on the 
green. 

Nov. — , 1803. Mr. Belden ceases from pastoral duties. 

Oct. 7, 1804. Ml-. Joab Brace begins to preach. 

Nov. 19, 1804. Society vote to call him as theu- minister. 

Dec. 3, 1804. Committee give him a formal call. 

Dec. 1 7, " He accepts in a formal answer. 

Jan. 9, 1805. Fast, preliminary to his ordination. 

Jan. 16, 1805. He is ordained. 



THE FIRST SETTLERS OF NEWINGTON.* 

Prior to the year 1 700, an excellent tract of land lying west of the 
mountain, and known by the name of " Cowplain," was in the almost ex- 
clusive possession of the Indians. It was the residence of Sequin, the 
Sachem of the Wcthci-sfield tribe, which at that time was numerous. The 
increase of poimlaticjii in tlii^ old town, and the consequent advance in the 
value of real estate, rendered removals necessary for a livelihood, and in- 
duced five men to commence the settlement of this part of the town. Tlie 
names of three of these adventurous persons were Andrus, and the others 
Steel and Hun. The house of one of the Andruses stood a few rods south 
of the Congregational meeting house, that of Steel near the spot now 
occupied by the academy, and that of Hun in the north part of the parish. 
Tlie house of Andrus was fortified and surrounded by a high wall, to guai-d 
against attacks of foreign Indians (those in the neighl)orhood being 
fricmlly disposed). To this fortress they, with their families, retired every 
iiiLiliI, ninl slc'|p| n|ii>u their arms. They were, however, never attacked by 
iIh ii ^nvi.;.' iiuMiiics. The tract of land they settled being large and 
bi.:blv pi'iiiliiciiv', lliey were soon joined l)y others, and in a few years 
grew into a considerable and prosperous settlement. 

* Tliesc extracts are taken, by permission of Dr. Trumbull, from a manuscript 
history of Wctliersficlil, written by Hczekiah Beklcn, Esq., and dcpositod Nov. 
8, 1855, (after his deatli,) in the rooms ot the Historical Society, at Hartford. I 
was not aware of the existence of the manuscript till after the preceding pages 
were in press. R. W. 



121 

THE FIRST MINISTER OF NEWINGTON. 

Mr. Williams was tlio son of the Kuv. William Williams of" Hatfield — 
lirotLer of tlie Hon. Israel Williams aiiJ the llev. Solomon Williams, D. D. 
His mother was the daughter of the Kev. Solomon Stoddaid of Northamp- 
ton. He was educated at Harvard College, graduating in 1711. From this 
time until his st^tllement at Newingtou, it is probable he resided on his 
estate in Wethersliold. He married Eunice, daughter of Mr. Thomas 
Chester, February 2od, 1714, by whom he had six children, Eunice, Eli- 
slia, Samuel, William, Mary, and Anne, — two of whom only, Elisha and 
Mary, survived their father. * * * * 

His administration of the government of Yale College is spoken of as 
highly creditable to himself, and beneficial to the institution. Prudent and 
energetic in government, " he suppressed the vice and disorder that had 
long prevailed — introduced many salutary and beneficial rules, and culti- 
vated, among the graver studies that had before almost exclusively occu- 
jiied the attention of the students, a taste for useful and polite literature." 
Among the distinguished graduates during his presidency, were President 
Wheelock, President Burr, Dr. Bellamy, Chief Justice Dyer, and Philip 
and William Livingston. It was in the same time that Bishoj) Berkley, 
pleased with the character of the College, and having ascertained by cor- 
respondence with Rector Williams, what was most necessary for its 
improvement, made several donations to it, among which were a thousand 
volumes of books, " the finest collection that ever came together, at one 
time, into America." 

President Williams retaitied his oflice for thirteen years, when he re- 
signed on account of ill health, with undiminished (luster V) and the 
"hearty thanks of the trustees for his good service." The office which he 
relinquished was one of high distinction, and gave him a station in soci- 
ety, above which, few in the country, not of royal appointment, were more 
elevated. * » « * 

In 1 745 we find him attending the ehivalric expedition against Cape Bre- 
ton, in the capacity of chajilain. The following year he was appointed a 
Lieut. Colonel in Col. Joseph Dwight's Regiment, raised for the proposed 
expedition against Canada. The pious and faithful pastor, the accom- 
pli.shed College President, the speaker of a popular assembly, the learned 
juilge, the itinerant army chaplain, is hereafter known under his new 
designation of Colonel. At Louisburg his counsel was valued. " If you 
find any difiiculty," writes Thomas Cushing to a friend having business 
there, " take advice of Col. Choate and Rector Williams." .In his regi- 
ment, he was efficient and popular. AVhen the Canada expedition was 
abandoned, there was delay in the jiayment of the officers and men, and 
in December, 1749, Col. Williams for the purpose of procuring a settle- 
ment was sent to England and effected the object of his mission. 

While in England he formed an acquaintance with a lady of superior 
accomplishments. Miss Scott, daughter of the Rev. Timothy Scott of Nor- 
wich, and sister of the Rev. Thomas Scott, the well-known writer of com- 
mentaries on the Bible, who married and accompanied him to America. 
In England he also became known to many persons of distinction. Dr. 
Doddridge, with whom he formed an intimate acquaintance, describes him 
as possessing " an ardent sense of religion, solid learning, consummate 
prudence, great candor and sweetness of temper, and a certain nobleness 
of soul, capable of conceiving and acting the greatest things without 
seeming to be conscious of having done them." After his return from 
England the remainder of his life was spent in the enjoyment of well 
earned I'epose at Wethersfield. Ho died July 24th, 175.5, in the (ilst year 
of his age. Mrs. Williams afterwards became the wife of the Hon. 
\Villiam Smith, historian of New York, Snd died in Wetbersfield, June 
13th, 1776. 

16 



122 

It has been truly said that " so great a variety of honorable occu])a^ 
tions successively discharged is rarely recorded," as iu the case of Elisha 
Williams. 

On a tablet inscribed to his memory is the foUowinp; memorial of him : 
" The Hon. Col. Elisha Williams shined in excelling gifts of nature, 
learning and grace. In benevolence universal. Firm in friendship; in 
conversation pleasant and instructive ; in lleligion sincere, unallectcd, 
cheerful, truly humble, jjatient ; fearless in the cause of God and truth ; a 
pattern of conjugal and parental allection and humanity, a wise, great, 
and good man; 5 years he was an honor to the ministry in Ncwington, i:! 
years Yale College llourished under his pious, learned, faithful instruction 
and government, the glory of the College and ornament of his Country. 
He, after, filled and adorned several civil and military characters. Heaven 
claimed what was immortal that glad obeyed and dropped hero the dust 
till Jesus comes. Obiit, 24 July, 1 755. iEtatis Gl mo. 

THE SECOND MINISTER. 
Mr. Backus graduated at Yale College in 1724. Oct 1, 1729, he mar- 
ried Eunice, daughter of Rev. Timothy Edwards of East Windsor, and 
sister of the first President Edwards, by whom he had seven children, 
Clorinda, Eunice, Elizabeth — married IJaniel Bissell of East Windsor ; 
Esther, married Benjamin Ely of West Springfield, Simon married 
Rachel Mosley of East Iladdam, and was settled in the ministry at 

Granby, Mass.. and then at North M , where he died a pauper, Jeru- 

sha, married Smith Bailey, Mary died unmarried as did the two eldest 
daughters. 

THE THIRD MINISTER. 

The Rev. Joshua Belden was the second son of Mr. Silas Belden, and 
born in Wethersfield, July 19, 1724. His mother Abigail was the daugh- 
ter of Mr. Joshua Kobbins of WetluTsfield. He was educated at Y'ale 
College, graduating in 1743. He was a plain practical preacher of Evan- 
gelical truth and " shunned not to declare the whole counsel of God." A 
uuin scrupulously conscientiou.s, of deep humility, and of devoted and 
ardent jiiity. He was married twice. First to Mrs. Anne Belden of 
Wetlurslirld, by whom he had ten children, nine daughters and one son. 
Four of the daughters died in early life, Abigail born Aug. 10, 1754, mar- 
ried Mr. James Lusk of Ncwington. Mary born Dec. 9, 1755, married 
Mr. Justus Francis of Ncwington. Anne, a mute, born July 7, 1 759. 
Martha born July 24, 1761, married Doct. Joseph Lynde of Hartford. 
Octavia born Oct. 27, 1763, married Rev. Nathaniel Gaylord of llartland. 
Rhoda born May 29, 1766, married llev. Silas Churchill of New Lebanon, 
N. Y. JoshuS born March 29, 1 768, married Dorothy, daughter of Mr. 
Lemuel Whittlesey of Ncwington. 

For his second wife, Mr. Belden on the 14th Nov., 1774. married Mrs. 
Honor Whiting, widow of Cajit. Charles AVhiting of Norwich, and daughter 
of Mr. Ilezekiah Goodrich of Wethersfield, by whom he had one son, Ileze- 
kiah, born Feb. 17, 1778, married Harriet Halstcd Lyon, daughter of 
Underhill Lyon, Esq., of Rye, N. Y. Of the nuuicrous family of Mr. Bel- 
den, five only survived him, four of his youngest daughters, an<l his second 
son. He was a man of sorrows, but he bore them like a Christian, his 
faith was triumphant. On the death of his second wife, standing over 
her lifeless body and gazing in silent grief for a short time in her placid 
countenance, he exclaimed, raising his hands and eyes to heaven, " 1 am 
dumb — I open not my mouth, for the Lord lialli done it," then kneeling 
with his weeping family around him he poured forth his soul in prayer 
for resignation and support, and in thanksgiving that the object of his 
affection had been so long spared to him, as the solace of his life, and of 
assured hope in her death. 



123 



PART II. 

MODERN ANNALS OF NEWINGTON, 

COMPRISING 

RECORDS OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL SOCIETY AND CON(ii:E(iAITONAL 

CHURCH OF NEWINGTON 

IN Tin; 

SECOND CENTURY OF THEIR EXISTENCE. 



FIRST PERIOD, 180S— 1857. 
Dr. Brace, in liis published hall-century discourse, has given 
the history of the parish during tlie time of his administra- 
tion of tlie pastoral office. During the first century of its 
existence there was great tuiraoil, strife, and conti-oversy, not 
only with its neighbors on the West and Soutli, but intestine 
war within its own limited borders. Continual recourse was 
had to the General Assemlily, to settle boundaries, to settle 
the locations of the two meeting-houses that were built and 
to assist the parish for the loss of the first and second minis- 
ters. The town also and the Courts were frequently applied 
to for help, and intervention. These vexed questions were 
happily all disposed of before the settlement of Dr. Brace. 
During the time of his ministry peace reigned without and 
within unbroken save by a few cases of discipline. No peti- 
tion was presented to tlie Legislature, and but one to the 
town, and no recourse was had to the courts. It is unneces- 
sary to go over the ground covered by Dr. Brace's discourse. 
His ministry was not only a time of peace, but it was also a 
time of great improvement in the material interests and wel- 
fare of the people. One of these improvements is alluded to 
by him as follows. " Fifty years ago tliere was no road from 
this place to Hartford, and the little intercourse with the city 
was carried on, cither by going over tlie mountain to Wethers- 



124 

field, or by passing round tlnongh West Hartford." The 
present road to Hartford by tlie house of Charles K. Atwood, 
Esq., was laid out in 1807, its southern terminus being near 
the meeting-house, throwing open a space for a green north 
of the road running cast to Wcthersfield, while its western 
tei'minus was near the north school house, the two roads 
forming a junction near the house of Robert Francis, thence 
running towards Hartford, to and along the base of Cedar 
moiuitain.* 

Not only were great improvements made in the roads and 
bridges of Newington and vicinity, but in 18?>5 was incorpor- 

*As this road is a main thoroughfiire, and as it is importan t to preserve the 
ancient land marks, the decree of the court laying out the road is worthy of an 
insertion at this place. It is as follows : 

" On the Petition of Joshua Belden and others praying for highways in New- 
ington society in Wethersficld, leading to Hartford, hy ])etition on file, dated 
Fchiiuiry 28, 1807, the case was continued to this term, the committee in the case 
laid before the court thoir report in these words. " To the honorahlc (bounty 
Court to be holden at Hartford, within and for the county of Hartford, on the 
second Tuesday of August, 1807. The suhseriliers a|)pointed by your honors a 
Committee on the petition of Joshua Belden, Jr., E.^q., and others, inhabitants of 
the parish of Newington in the town of Wcthersfield, to view, and, if judged by 
said Committee expedient, lay out a highway from near tlic dwelling house of 
said Joshua Belden, Jr., to the south line of the town of Hartford, in such direc- 
tion as would best accommodate the travel from said Newiiigton to the city of 
Hartford, or to alter the present traveled roads in a manner most convenient to 
the public, and least injurious to private property, and report make to the then 
or some future .session of said court, l)eg leave to report — Tliat having given legal 
notice of the time, place, and purpose of our meeting we met at the liouse of 
deacon Wells in said Newington on the 25th day of June last and from thence 
proceeded to view the several roads leading from near the house of said .Toshua 
Belden, Jr., Esq., mentioned in the bill in form a])i)oiiiting said Committee, with 
the intermediate ground from the west street in said Newington to the mountain; 
and upon a full view and hearing of those concerned your Committee were clearly 
<if opinion that by .altering and widening tlie present highway from near the 
house iif .said Belden and running by said de:i,eon Wells's, anil by laying a road 
from the junction of the road running easterly from the Nortb school house in 
the west street in said Newington acro.ss the lands of Unni Hobbins and Martin 
Kelliigg in a Northeastward direction to the old road, ai\d from thence wideinng 
the present road to tbe ro.ad running unilcr the mountain to said Hartford would 
best accommodate tin; pulilic travel from said Newington to Haitford, and he tbe 
least damage to private property. We tlicrc'fnre liegan at a stake and stones in 
tbe old road at the north line of Jemima Wi'lles's land near the bouse of Joshua 
Belden, Jr., Esi|., and ran northerly in said road 22 chains .57 links to the .south 
line of Fitch Andrus's land, thence in said old road and widening the same on 
.said Andrus, by a line from the southeast corner of bis lot to a stake and .stones 
near the brook 6 chains .'ifi links thence running in said old road 12 chains 10 links 
to Elijah Wells's lanil to ;i stake and stones in the fence east of old road, thence 
N. 7° E. f) chains 37 links on said Wells's land, thi'uce the same point 4 chains 
'.17 links on Jemima Welles's lan<l, thence in the old road 1 chain 56 links to a 
stake and stones, thence N. 1 ' E. 8 chains 10 links to Unni Kobbins's land, 
thence the .same point on said Rolibins 10 chains 78 links, thence N. 5.'!'' E. 10 
chains oti said Bobbins, thence running tlu; sauK^ ]joint on Martin Kellogg 's land 
34 chains 41 links to the old roail, tliencc the same point .'ill links across said road. 



125 

ated tlio Hartford and New Haven Railroad Company who 
laid their iron track throngh Newington, bringing it within 
ten minntes of Hartford, afterwards the Hartford, Providence, 
and Fishkill Railroad gave another avenue to Hartford, so 
that no town in the County of Hartford, outside of the city, 

thence in the old road opening the same two rods on the north side on Ezekiel 
Atwood's land 6 chains 50 links, thence in the old road opening the same two 
rods in widtli on Benjamin Water's land 7 chains 50 links to the turn of the road 
leading to Hartford, the old highway above described is opened to four rods in 
width, and that part of the road which we have laid on new ground is laid the 
same width, and the line above described is in the centre of said road. The Com- 
mittee then proceeded to lay out a piece of a road to accommodate the travel 
passing from the north school house in the west street in said Newington, and 
began at a stake and stones at the cast fence of the present traveled road running 
northwardly from deacon Wells's at a point making the line directly strait with 
the centre line of said road leading to said north school house, and from thence 
continued a strait line eastwardly on the lands of Unni Robbins about two chains 
and meeting the road above described. 

And your honors' Committee beg leave further to report that in reviewing the 
road south of the point of departure above described between that and the meet- 
ing house they were of opinion that the public would be greatly accommodated by 
cutting off the east end of a lot of land liclonging to the said Jemima Welles, and 
laying it open for a highway, wliich lot projects east so as to intersect the whole 
width of the road north and south of said lot, destroying the beauty of the situa- 
tion and causing much extra travel, they therefore proceeded, submitting the 
question of its being within their commission to the honorable Court, to run a 
line beginning at a stake and stones in a line of the west fence of the road north 
of said lot, and from thence running S. 3" 30" E. 5 chains 69 links across said 
Jemima Welles's land, which lino will strike the northwest corner of the meeting 
house, laying the whole land lying east of said line open for a public highway, 
taking from said lot one acre and 34 rods of land. 

And the Committee have assessed the damages in favor of the pi-oprietors of 
tlie land on which said road was laid or widened as follows, to wit, 

To Wd. Jemima Welles for lirr land near the meeting house, ij;l20. 

To Fitch Audrus, ------ 5. 

To Elijah Wells, ------ 30. 

To Jemima Welles, ------ 25. 

To Uimi Robbins, ------ HO. 

To Martin Kellogg, 278. 

To Ezekiel Atwood, ------ 20. 

To Benjamin Waters, ------ S. 

$596. 
All which is submitted by your honors' most obedient servants, July Cth, 1807. 

Pl.INY HiLLYER, 1 

Solomon Cowles, > Committee under oath. 
SASinEL Pitkin, ) 

The court accept said rejiort of Committee whereupon it is considered by the 
court that the highways, as by said Committee laid out or widened, be anil the 
same are established public highways, and that the same he opened by the 20th 
day of June next, and that said town of Wetliersfield pay to the individuals the 
damages assessed to them by said Committee in said report by the 20th day of 
June next, and that the Petitioners recover of. said town of Wethorstield, Cost 
taxed at 28 Dollars 13 cents. 

Execution granted for said Cost August 22d, 1807." 

The above'is copied from the Records of the County Court, in the book of 
records Irom August, 1803 to December, 1809, in that part of the book containing 



126 

has greater facilities of access to tlic capital of the state; 
midway between the two great emporiums Boston and New 
York, an hour's ride to New Haven, it is an eligible location 
for speedy egress and ingress and for quiet residence. 

There have been four public libraries in Newington, "The 
Nevvington Library," " The Charity Library," " Tlie Social 
Library," and "The Young Men's Library." 

1. The Newington Library is the most ancient, and is sup- 
posed to have been purchased hy the Ecclesiastical Society in 
its early days. Tlierc was formerly a small tax levied on 
those who used the ])OoIcs. 

2. The Charity Library was a gift to the Society from 
Jedediah Deming, as has already appeared. It consisted of 
religious works almost entirely. It was free to all. Tlie 
books were usually exchanged on lecture days. Simon Wells 
was for many years the lilirarian. Some l)ooks of tliese two 
libraries still remain. 

■'>. The Social Library was of miicli later date. It belonged 
to individuals, and was destroyed i)y fire with the house of the 
late Roger Welles in October, 18r)5. 

4. The Young Men's Library was also the fruit of indi- 
vidual enterprise, instituted by the young men of the genera- 
tion of Gen. Martin Kellogg and Capt. Daniel Willard. That 
library is supposed no longer to exist as a library. Tlie books 
are probably dispersed or lost. 

When Dr. Brace was settled there was in Connecticut a 
union of church and state. Every ecclesiastical society hav- 
ing territorial limits was considered to be, and was in fact, a 
municipal and public coi-poration. And every individual 



the record of the doings of the County Court for Hartford County at the August 
term, 1807, being a little past the middle of the book, there being no paging. It 
is (juite probable that the green taken from Mrs. Jemima Welles' land was to 
make it eonform to the green opened east of the Burying ground not long before. 
The following vote which appears to have been passed at a town meeting held 
December 26, 1798, .appanntly .authorizes the opening this green. 

"At this meeting the selectmen who were apjiointed in April last to view the 
ground near the meeting house in the society of Newiugton, Reported, that in 
tiieir opinion it would be proper to lay out a highway four rods wide across the 
west end of Unni llobbins's lot adjoining tlic bm'ying ground, — 

Voted, that this meeting do accejit the report. 

Voted, that the selectmen be directed to view the road to Newington, and 
to straight(m it by crossing the corners of certain lots, which they arc hereby 
authorized lo purchase of iuilividuals and .so open the road." 



127 

residing witliin the limits of any such society was considei'ed 
by tlie law as luucli a memljer of it, as each resident of a 
town was deemed its inhabitant. When the State Constitu- 
tion was adopted in 1818, it was ordained in that instrnment 
that every person then belonging to any religious association 
should remain a member thereof until he should have sepa- 
rated therefrom by leaving a written notice thereof with the 
clerk of such society, after which time he sliould be no longer 
liable for any future expenses incurred by such society. Our 
ecclesiastical society was established with local limits more 
than a hundred years before the adoption of the state consti- 
tution, and was not by tliat instrument or by subsequent leg- 
islation divested of its local character. It still lias its local 
limits the same as in the days of our fathers. Consequently 
all the residents of Nevvington, who have not formally sepa- 
rated themselves from the society, who were residents at tlie 
time of the adoption of the constitution in 1818, are now 
members of the society. Tlie members of this class formerly 
constituted almost the entire body of the society, but time has 
thinned their ranks, a few only ai'e left, and soon they too will 
have passed away forever. The society consists now almost 
wholly of those who have been voted in as members, whose 
previous voluntary assent tliereto would be implied ; and 
those also who have accepted office in the society, their assent 
would be implied, they treat themselves as members and so 
hold tliemselves out to the world; probably also those who 
vote and participate in the meetings of the society, their vol- 
untary association would be implied. Memberships, being no 
longer coercive but voluntary, must be determined in tlie light 
of these principles. 

The school society of Newington was organized as early as 
1797 ; it was continued as an organization during tlie entire 
ministry of Dr. Brace, but did not long survive it: in July, 
1856, the General Assembly passed an act abolisliing school 
societies, and vesting their property in the towns. 

As early as May, 1799, an act was passed providing — 
" That each school society shall have full power to divide itself 
into proper and necessary districts, for keeping their schools." 



128 

(Rev. Stat. 1808, p. 581, sec. 1.) IJjider this autliurity the 
school society of Newiugton, in 1835, passed a vote creating 
a new district, called the South Bast School District, as 
follows : 

" Voted, That there be a new district formed from the 
present South district in Newington, to be called the South- 
east district. The nortli line of said district to run an east 
and west course from tlie Southwest district, ten rods north 
of the liouse in which Reuben Whaples now lives ; thence 
east to the Wethersfiold line, and to include all the inhabi- 
tants living south of said north line, in Newington school 
society." 

This made the fourth school district in Newington, three 
having been previously created by authority of the ecclesiasti- 
cal society, as already related.* 

In 1829 an association was formed by twenty-five of the 
prominent men of the society, called " the Newington Educa- 
tion Company," for the purpose of building an academy for a 

* When the school society was abolished in 185G, the record liook disap- 
peared. This is much to be regretted, as it contained valuable records wliich 
can not be replaced. The vote i;iven in the text, however, was fortunately pre- 
served, as also the following document establishing the lines between the socie- 
ties of Newington and Wortliington : 

" We, the school society's conimitlee of Wortliington and Newington, with the 
assistance of Loton Porter, County Surveyor, liave run out anil cstablisbcil 
the lines betwixt said societies in the following manner, to wit: Hcginuing at 
the northwest corner of David Ivclscy'.-; farm, on town line he_twixt Wetherslicld 
and Berlin, near his dwelling-house, we ran a line on the north side of saiil 
Kclscy's farm, north 89j° east, to a highway, where we found a stone jilaced in 
the ground betwixt Anion KicJiards ami Oliver Kichaids, thence continuini; the 
same course to the Hartford and New Haven tiirnjiike, where we creeled a stone 
monument betwixt Oliver Kichanis and Samuel Steele, thence continuing the 
same course (lo) the bigbwav leading from Newington, and erected a stone mon- 
ument, marked on one side W. and on the other N. ; thence southerly by the said 
last highway one hundred and forty -one rods to the Berlin corner. 

JOSEPH SAVACiK, J C<imm!Hee fur 
HENKY BOOTH, )' Wortklniiluii iixiili/. 
WILLIS P. DAVIS, Cummlltui fm- yScmivjIon. 
Datud at Bkulin, 
this 6th day of Nov., 1849." 

At a town meeeting held Nov. 4, ISfjiJ, the north line of the district was estab- 
lished as follows : 

" Vulril, That the north line of the Southeast school di.strict of Newington 
shall commence on the west, at the northwest corner of Anion Kichards' home 
farm, where it intersects with New Britain town line, and run easterly on the 
said Richard's north line to a highway, tluiicc in the same direction on tlie line 
of the said Anion and Oliver Hiehards to the ]jresent west line of said district, 
including all ihc property south of the above described line not inchulcd in other 
districts." 



129 

school of a " higher order " than the district schools. The 
building was erected, and a school flourished there for a 
quarter of a century. It was the means of giving a higher 
education to many who would otherwise have finished their 
studies at the common schools. Nothing has since talcen its 
place. The enterprise being a wholly private one, and the 
children of those who started the enterprise having been 
educated, the school was dropped, and the building has been 
suffered to go to decay.* 



EXTRACTS FROM SOCIETY RECORDS. 

At a meeting held Dec. 2, 1 805, " Voted, That this society aj^ree to 
have the burying ground fenced with stone that are at present there, with 
posts and two boards above nailed on the sides of the posts, with a gate 
upon the north side." 

At a meeting held Feb. 3, 1806, " Voted, That no vote hereafter taken 
in the Ecclesiastical Society in Newington after sunset shall be considered 
as legal unless by a special vote to the contrary." 

" Voted, That the society's committee be empowered to appoint a sexton 
yearly for this society." 

At a meeting held Dec. 5, 1808, " Voted, To allow Mr. Brace $100 out 
of the interest of the public money belonging to this society for one year 
only, in addition to his stated salary." 

" Voted, To allow Mr. Brace $24 in lieu of fetching his wood the ensu- 
ing year." 

At a meeting held Dec. 29, 1808, •' Voted, That this society appoint a 
special committee to confer with Mr. Brace on account of his salary." 
" Voted, That Dea. James Wells, Col. Levi Lusk, Major Justus Francis, 

*The Newington Education Company, at a meeting held January 6, 1829, 
adopted a constitution, beginning as follows : " We, the subscribers, believing 
that a school of a higher order will be beneficial to the youth of this place, do 
a<;ree to associate ourselves into a company for the purpose of erecting a suitable 
building for this purpose." The sum of live dollars constiiuted a shave, Martin 
Kellogg, Jeremiah Seymour, and Dosithcus Hubbard were appointed a building 
committee. The annual meeiinj; was held on the first Monday in September. 
The oflicers were a chairman, clerk, treasurer, collector, and three trustees. The 
duty of the trustees was to employ the teacher, and, with the chairman, to con- 
stitute a visiting committee. The first officers were, Gen. M. Iveliog<r, chairman ; 
William Deming, clerk; Dositlieus Hubbard, treasurer; Daniel Willard, Joseph 
Ciimp, and Roger Welles, trustees. The stockholders, with the amounts of 
money they subscribed, are as follows : Martin Kellogg. S45 ; Mary Kellogg, 
$10; Electa Whittlesey, $10; Laura Whittlesey, $5 ; Erastus Francis, $10; 
Lathrop Kichanlson, $5; Daniel Willard, $22.7.=) ; Joseph Camp, $15; Elisha 
Stoddard, S5 ; Simeon Stoiidard, $.5 ; Allen Stoddard, $13; Jeremiah Seymour, 
$2.5; Josiah W. Griswonld, $12; Roger Welles, $22.75 ; Dositheus Hubbard, 
$11; William Deming, $13; Jedediah Deming, $2.50; Elisha Whaples, , Jr., $11 ; 
Orisin Wells, $5 ; Catherine Wells, S5 ; James Churchill, S5 ; Ralph Wells, $5; 
Charles Hubbard, $5 ; David Hunn, $5 ; Josiah Atwood, $5. 

The last meeting recorded was held in November, 1854, 

17 



130 

Dea. Daniel Willanl, Timothy Stanley, HezeKiali Beldeii, Esq., Asaph 
Whittlesey, Martin Kellogff, Jiin., and Capt. Joaathan Stoddard, Jim., be 
appointed a committee for that purpose." 

To the Ecclesiastical Society in Xeiciugton : 

The committee appointed to confer with the Rev. Mr. Brace upon the 
subject of his request made to them at their last meeting, beg leave to 
report. That agreeably to their appointment they have waited upon the 
Rev. Mr. Brace and conferred with him upon the subject of his request 
that the society should join with Iiim in the call of a Council to dissolve 
his relation as pastor over them. That your committee find upon enquiry 
that Mr. Brace has no other reason operating upon his mind in assi;jniiig 
this except the want of an adequate and decent support, and that he was 
fearful, (judging from the uneasiness expressed by some with the late vote 
adding a hundred dollars to his salary for the current year.) that if he 
should make known the sum whicli he should think a sufficient salary, 
although it might be voted, yet that it would cause so much dissatisfaction 
that it might tend to divide and lessen the Society, which, in its present 
undivided situation, is not large, that he thought it his duty rather to 
leave than by asking for an addition to his salary to be the cause of divid- 
ing the peoide. 

Your committee further report, that they conferred with Mr. Brace re- 
specting the sum which he sliould think an adequate and honorable com- 
pensation for his services, and wliicli if granted as a permanent salary 
would be satisfactory, and that the sum named by him as such was five 
hundred dollars, and fifteen cords of wood. Your committee further 
report, that by an estimate made by them of the expense of maintaining 
a family in the decent and respectable manner in which a minister of the 
Gospel is entitled to live, the expense falls very little short of the sum 
proposed by Mr. Brace, and this witliout allowing anything for sickness in 
the family, or for incidental expenses tor journeying or for the purchase 
of books. Y'our committee grant that this calculation is theory merely, 
and that a single fact is worth a thousand paper calculations, they there- 
fore requested Mr. Brace to keep an accurate account of all his expend- 
itures for the current year, to be exhibited to a committee appointed to 
examine it at the close of the year ; to this Mr. Brace cheerfully assented. 
Your committee report further, that Mr. Brace accepts the salary voted 
him for the current year, but expects if he continues your minister, that 
the salary above named of five hundred dollars and fifteen cords of wood 
yearly will be granted him as his permanent salary. 
All which is submitted. 

Levi Lusk, Justus Francis, Daniel Willard, Timothy Stanley, Jun., 
Martin Kellogg, Jun., Hezekiah Belden, Jonathan Stoddard, Jan., Asaph 
Whittlesey — Special Committee. 

At a meeting held January 9, 1809, " Voted, Tliat this society accept 
of the report of the committee appointed to confer with Mr. Brace on 
account of his salary." 

" Voted, That the society's committee be appointed to receive the ac- 
count of Mr. Brace's expenses for the current year, and make report to 
the next annual meeting." 

" To tlie Prudential Committee of Newington, a parish of Wethcrsfield, 
Gentlemen. 

You are hereby requested to warn, according to law, the Ecclesiastical 
Society of Newington to meet forthwith that they may choose one of these 
two alternatives, viz : either to render permanent the sum stated in the 
report of their special committee in the last society meeting, as the salary 



181 

of Joab Brace, or to comply with his request made sometime in December 
last to be dismissed from his pastoral relation to the church and people in 
said parish, and further to transact whatever business may be brought be- 
fore the meeting. Signed, JOAB BRACE, Pastor. 
Newington, March 29th, 1809." 

At a meeting held April 4, 1809, " Voted, That this society waive, for 
the present, the alternative contained in the report of their select commit- 
tee, (but which may if necessary be taken up afterwards,) and attend to 
Mr. Brace's third proposal." " Voted, That this society give Mr. Joab 
Brace five hundred dollars a year as a permanent salary so long as he 
continues to officiate with us in the Ministry of the Gospel." 

" Wetheksfield, April 12th, 1809. 
"Whereas the Ecclesiastical Society of Newington did in their last 
meeting, by a very unanimous vote, make an oifer to me of five hundred 
dollars as a permanent salary during my ministerial labors with them, and 
whereas divers individuals did very generously offer their assistance in the 
article of wood, these are therefore to show that withdrawing my motion 
for a dismission, I accept the oU'er and ratify the stipulation. 

JOAB BRACE." 

At a meeting held November 7, 1810, " Voted, To appoint a committee 
to draw a petition to present to the next town meeting for liberty to sell 
lands belonging to the highways in this society, to raise a fund, the annual 
interest of which shall be appropriated for the support of the ministry in 
this society."* " Voted, That Levi Lusk, Hezekiah Belden, and Martin 
Kellogg, Jr., be a committee for said purpose." 

At a meeting held December .S, 1810, " Voted, That the annual meeting 
of this society shall be held on the first Monday in November instead of 
the first Monday in December." 

At a meeting held December 2, 1811, " Voted, That the trustees of the 
public moneys belonging to this society be directed to call in the same as 
soon as convenient, also to dispose of the money in the Loan Oflice of the 
United States, and to vest the whole in bank stock in the Hartford Bank." 

At a meeting held November 20, 1815, " Voted, That the society do 
agi'ee to paint the meeting house as far as has lieen painted before, and 
that Amos Andrus and Roger Welles be a committee to purchase oil, 
paints, &c., also engage some suitable person to do the work and superin- 
tend the painting, " Voted, That tliis society lay a ta.x of one cent on the 
dollar on the list of 1815, for the above purpose, also that the committee 
be directed to borrow a sum sufficient to complete the painting of the 
meeting house if tlie tax should be insufficient. " Voted, That in future 
when a society meeting is to be warned the Society Committee shall put 
notifications on the several school houses." 

" Voted, That the Society's Committee be directed to purchase a pall for 
this society." 

At a meeting held November 3, 1817, " Voted, That the trustee call in 
the amount of the notes he now holds against individuals by the first of 
March next, and deposit the same in the Phcenix Bank, also that he receive 
and deposit in the same bank the money to be received from the Treasurer 
of the State of Connecticut on account of the Appropriation act." 

*At a town meeting held December 31, 1810, "The petition of the inhabitants 
of the society of Newington praying for a grant of the highways that may be 
sold ill said society was read, and upon the question whether this meeting will do 
anything upon the petition, it passed in the negative." 



132 

At a meeting held November 1, 1819, " Voted, That this meeting take 
measures to sell the pews in the meeting house to pay the expenses of this 
society the year ensuing, provided a sum of four hundred dollars or more 
be raised from the sale of the pews, these sales to be valid, if not, to be 
null and void." 

" Voted, That Levi Deming, Origen Wells, Gen. Martin Kellogg, Jr., 
Elisha Stoddard, Joseph Camp, Gen. Levi Lusk, and Uzziel Lattiiner be 
a committee to obtain information and devise the best method of carrying 
into effect the above vote respecting the selling of the pews in the meeting 
house, &c., and report to the next meeting." 

At a meeting held November 16, 1819, " Voted, That the report of the 
committee as amended be accepted." 

" Report of Committee, 
To the members of the Ecclesiastical Society of Newinglon. Gentlemen. 

The committee appointed to devise the most probable means of carrying 
into effect a vote of this meeting (society?) for a sale of the pews in the 
meeting house, for the purpose of raising funds for the support of the 
Gospel in this place respectfully report. 

That after having attentively examined the subject, and liaving taken 
advantage of such information as they could obtain from other places 
where similar measures have been pursued for similar purposes, they at 
an adjourned meeting unanimously adopted the following resolutions. 

(1) Voted, That the 23d day of November instant be recommended to be 
appointed for the commencement of the sales, at 9 o'clock A. M., and to 
be continued by adjournment if necessary until the business be completed, 
and that the pews be set up by pews and struck off" to the highest bidder, 
and the person or persons who purchase them shall hold them lor one year 
from the 1st day of December next. 

(2) Voted, That every such person or persons who shall purchase a 
pew shall be required to execute his or their note payable to the society's 
treasurer or his order in 6 months from the first day of February next, 
with interest after nine months. 

(3) Voted, That this Committee recommend to reserve the Northeast 
and Southeast corner pews and not offer them for sale, also a pew or share 
of a pew, such as the Kev. Mr. Brace shall choose for the accommodation 
of his family. 

(4) Voted, That it be recommended to appoint an auctioneer and clerk 
to transact the business respecting the sales, that it shall be the duty of 
the auctioneer to expose the pews for sale, and when sold he shall inform 
the Clerk to whom they belong, and the price for which they are sold : 
that it shall be the tluty of the Clerk to provide himself with a suitable 
number of blank notes which he shall fill up with the amount and require 
them to be signed by the purchaser. 

(5) Voted, That it be recommended to oflTer two or three pews for sale 
in the south gallery, and also the high pew in the gallery, on the same 
terms as those on ihe lower floor. 

Your committee would beg leave further to remark that it is a duty 
incumbent on every citizen to do something in support of the institutions 
of religion, that in addition to the weighty concerns of Eternity and the 
solemnities of an hereafter, the advantages resulting from these institutions 
are not trifling, for should they be suffered to fall, our respectability as a 
people would dwindle to insignificance and contempt, that by it the value 
of property is enhanced, that it contributes to order, peace, and good 
regulations in society, promotes cleanliness in our persons and apparel, 
points us to the paths of virtue and morality, restrains the licentious and 



133 

profane, adds weight to parental authority, recommends our youth to the 
passing stranger and the wayfaring man, and nerves the arm of govern- 
ment without which our persons and our families would be insecure. 

Your committee furtlior believe that the time has come when those who 
are determined to support the preaching of the Gospel, (whatever means 
are taken for the purpose,) must make greater exertions than they have 
hitherto been required to do, that the votes of your last meeting demon- 
strated the impracticability of raising funds sufficient by a tax, and that 
they know no other way so likely to succeed as that which you have 
adopted. 

Your committee are aware that some of your most respectable and 
worthy citizens, i'earful of the consequences of innovations, would have 
preferred the ancient mode of raising their necessary funds by a tax on 
property, yet, as all communities must be governed by a majority of such 
community, and when they reflect on the difficulties in the way of taxation, 
it is believed they will support the measures which the majority have 
adopted. There are others alike respectable, who conscientiously believe 
that coercive measures in matters of religion are not warranted by scrip- 
tural precepts, to such there is now an opportunity for the exercise of that 
liberality ibr which they are accountable to none but their conscience and 
their God. 

With regard to the pews, there is undoubtedly a choice, fancy will 
prefer one seat to that of another, but the liberal contributor will be actu- 
ated by higher motives, he will doubtless reflect that the primary object is 
to support the everlasting gospel. All which is respectfully submitted. 
By oi'der of your committee 

LEVI LUSK, Chairman. 

At a meeting held November 6, 1820, " Voled, That the clerk of this 
society be requested to make an estimate of the sum necessary to raise to 
complete the Rev. Joab Brace's salary, after deducting the amount arising 
from the sale of the pews the last year, and make report to this or a tiiture 
meeting." 

" Voted, That a committee be appointed to converse with Mr. Brace, 
and see if he will he willing to relinquish a part of his salary." 

" Voted, That Amos Andrus be a committee to converse with Mr. Brace 
as above." 

" Communication Jroiii the Set'. Joab Brace. 
Moderator and Brethren. 

Solicitude for your welfare and desire for the prosperity of the gospel of 
Christ in your salvation, induce me to do whatever I can for your relief 
and encouragement in maintaining the institutions of divine worship. 1 
am in debt about twelve hundred dollars, and of course pay a heavy inter- 
est. I have already anticipated and expended about three-fifths of my 
salary for the year which is to end on the first of December next, and 
must therefore run into another year for the current expenses of the pass- 
ing year. The expenses of my family have been every year much more- 
than my salary, which I have supplied by other means. But my brethren 
and my beloved people, / seek not yours, but you, therefore, notwithstanding 
all these things, I will make a sacrifice for your accommodation. I know 
you are far from being a poor people, yet I consider the difficulties of the 
time, and 1 propose to make an abatement in your favor, and of my own 
accord I do hereby relinquish fifty dollars for one year, viz., the ecclesias- 
tical year, to commence on the first Monday of December next, and 
accordingly do authorize you to record this communication as a testimony 
of such abatement of my salary for the said year. Imploring the blessing 



134 

of God upon your present meeting and upon all your best interests, and 
wishing that grace, mercy, and peace may ever abide with you, I subscribe 
myself. Yours with sincere afl'eclion, 

J. Bkace.* 
Newington, November 23d, 1820. 

At a meeting held February 19, 1821, "The will of Rosanna Deming 
being read. On motion. Voted, That a committee of three be appointed to 
converse with Mr. Hubbard, to see if any and what arrangements can be 
made concerning the will of Kosanna Deming, and report at the next 
meeting.f Voted, That Absalom Wells, Amos Andrus, and Joseph Camp 
be the committee according to the above vote." 

At a meeting held February 26, 1821, "The committee appointed the 
last meeting reported that they had called on Mr. Hubbard to consult with 
him on the business of their appointment, but were unable to make any 
arrangement with him whatever." 

At a meeting held April 23, 1821. "The following statement was made 
to the meeting by Gen. Lusk, and voted. 

At a meeting of the Ecclesiastical Society of Newington, being legally 
warned and holden on the 23d day of April, 1821, tor the purpose of 
taking into consideration the subject of a donation purporting to be given 
partially or indirectly to said society by the last will and testament of 
Rosanna Deming, late of Wethersfield, deceased. 

Having duly considered and examined into the case, we believe it is 
just and commendable, — that persons have an unquestionable right — to 
give and bequeath donations for charitable or public uses where it may be 
done legally and without injuring the lawful heirs, and none (more) laud- 
able than that of encouraging and supporting the preached gospel in reg- 
ular established societies, which we are zealous ever to support in a legal 
and christian manner, and shall ever be grateful to any who may be 



* This comrannication was presented to an adjourned society meeting held 
November 23, 1820. 

tRosanna Deming; died January 27, 1821, aged 73; she by lier last will and 
testament, bequeathed to Laura Diilings, her wearing apparel and household fur- 
niture, and a horse and three acres of laud on the E;ist side of the way, also — 

"Item. Eight acres of land on the west side of the way, with the house and 
barn thereon, to be at her use during her life, then to revert to llie use of the 
ministry, with the other land as hereinafter directed. 

"Item. One acre of wood land in the Btlden lot to be hers as in the last 
article. 

" Item. One cow to be at her use and disposal. 

•" Item. I give and l)equeath unto Kev. Joab Brace my other creatures and the 
farming materials, to be at his own proper use and disposal. 

"Item. I give and bequeath unto the Ecclesiastical Society in Newington, all 
my other lands to remain as they are, the avails of them to be given to the Pres- 
byterian or Congregational minister of said society as a ])erquisite, aside from his 
stipulated salary, forever." 

Executed Octolicr 2, 1809. 

" Inventory of the estate of Uosanna Deming, deceased, taken by the subscri- 
bers, March 7, 1821. 

Amount of personal property, i>er Inventory, - - - - $170 82 

House $-25. Barn $100. 39 Acres, homo lot, at S38, Si482, ^ Sl,807.00 

43 acres east side highway at f28, 7 do. Belden Lot, $50.— $3.50 -= Sl,5.")4.00 
6 acres ledge lot at $30, ...... .<i 180.00 

$3,511.82 
Martin Keli.ooo, Jr., /..„■„.„ 
Roger Welle8, Appraisers. 



136 

disposed to contribute to aid us in the important work ; but findintf in the 
present case now in question that there appears many embarrassments in 
accepting and supporting the donation alluded to, however pure the motive 
of the donor might be, we with regret are under the necessily of declining 
the acceptance of the donation, for the following reasons. 

It is believed that through age and infirmity of body and mind she did 
not duly consider the natural obligation she was under to her nephew, the 
only heir by law, who has evvr lent her all the possible aid and assistance 
in his power to render her life comfortable in her declining years,* who is 
by said will wholly cut off from any share in the property which in justice 
would and ought to have descended to him as the only natural heir of his 
grandfather. 

Under all these circumstances we are led to believe that it is for the 
interest of the society, and will most conduce to the harmony among the 
people in said society, to relinquish all claims by virtue of said will, so far 
as this society is concerned as a corporate body. Believing that by 
attempting to support a claim by virtue of said will we shall be embar- 
rassed in many expensive and vexatious law-suits, which will tend to dis- 
unite the people in said society. 

Therefore we consider that it is for the interest of the society, and 
strictly just to the heir in law. that we, as the society, should relinquish 
all claim, as, in the capacity of the society of Newington, we might claim 
by virtue of said will. And it is our wish that the property may be vested 
in the hands of the heir in law, and we will trust to his liberality to make 
such donation to said society as he may think proper for the support of 
the preaching of the gospel in said society, believing that he will so far 
carry the views and wishes of his deceased aunt into e.xecution, as will 
satisfy the feelings of the people in said society, and will still remain a 
useful member in said society as he ever has been." 

" Voted, That the foregoing vote be binding on the society, if Mr. 
Leonard C. Hubbard will give, or be obligated to pay to this society, the 
sum of 500 dollars." f 

At a meeting held November 11, 1822, " Voted, That for the purpose of 
raising the sum of 400 dollars to defray the expenses of this society the 
year ensuing, a committee be appointed to receive subscriptions, and if 
the sums amount to 400 dollars the clerk shall request the subscribers to 
give their note to the treasuier, payable in six months from date and on 
interest after nine months. After the notes are executed, as many as wish 
to sit in one pew shall inform the clerk, who shall find the amount of their 
subscriptions, and the company whose subscription shall exceed that of 
any other shall have the first choice of the pews, and the next highest the 
second, and so on till all are supplied with seats. 

In case two or more companies are equal in their subscriptions the 
choice shall belong to the one who shall raise his more than the other, or 
the choice may be determined by lot. The pews to be taken possession 
of and to be held one year from the first day of December next." 

" Voted, That Koger Welles, Jedediah Deming, Josiah W. Griswold, 
Lester Luce, AVilliam Wells, Allen Stoddard, and Martin Robbins be a 
committee to receive siibscrii)tions." 

At a meeting held November 26, 1822, " The sum of 400 dollars having 
been raised by subscription, the members of this society proceeded to class 
themselves and choose their pews, according to the vote of a former meet- 
ing." 

* The will was executed twelve years before her death, when she was about 60 
years of age. 
+ Mr. Hubbard gave his note to the Society for 8500. 



136 

At a meetino; held Nov. 10, 1824, " Voted, That Messrs. Amos Andrus> 
Daniel ,Willard and Lowrey Robbins be a committee to devise togethe'" 
upon the best method of raising the sura necessary to meet the expense* 
of this society the ensuing year, and report to the ne.xt meeting." 

At a meeting held Nov. 18, 1824, " Report of a committee appointed 
the last meeting to devise some plan, &e., received and acted upon. 

REPORT. 

Tlie committee appointed by the society to devise a plan to raise the 
sum of 375 dollars, to defray the expenses of the society the ensuing year, 
having investigated the subject according to the best of their abilities, 
and availed themselves of such information and advice as they have had 
opportunity to obtain, beg leave to submit the following report. 

Although no plan has been suggested to your committee entirely free 
from objection , the following measures appear to them the best adapted 
to accomplish the desired object. Let the pews in the meeting house be 
sold at auction for one year, the highest bidder being entitled to a choice 
of pews, with one e-xception, viz., that when the purchaser has chosen his 
pew the auctioneer sliall make known to the meeting which pew has been 
chosen, and shall proceed to offer said pew for sale to any person or com- 
panj' who will bid more, and if no person shall offer more for the pew, it 
shall belong to the person or company to whom it was struck off; and 
when two or more persons shiU purchase the same pew they shall inform 
the clerk of the meeting of the names and the sum each individual is to 
pay for the pew. If a less sum than 375 dollars should be raised from the 
sale of the pews, your committee would recommend that the deficiency he 
mide up by a tax on the property of such persons as are willing to be 
taxed for that purpose. 

It is further recommended that a committee of three, that is, one in 
each district, be appointed to inquire of all the persons who are possessed 
of taxable property, whether they will or will not be taxed to make up said 
deficiency, then the committee shall proceed to find the amount bid for pews 
by those persons who did not consent to be taxed, which sum shall be 
deducted from the 375 dollars, and the remaining part shall be the sum to 
be raised by a tax on the property of those persons who give their consent 
to be taxed, and whatever sum any person has bid for his pew shall be 
applied towards the payment of his tax. 

The above report is respectfully submitted, 

(Signed) AMOS ANDRUS, 

DANIEL WILLARD, 
LOWRKY ROBBINS. 

" Voted, That Roger AVelles, Allen Stoddard, and Jedediah Deniing, he 
a committee to obtain the names of those who are willing to be taxed." 

" Voted, That the pews in the meeting house be sold according to a 
report of a committee, on the 24th of instant Nov., at 1 o'clock P. M." 

" Voted, That Gen. Martin Kellogg be auctioneer on the day of the 
sale of the pews." 

At a meeting held April 3d, 1826, " Voted, That this society receive with 
cratitude the very generous donation lately made them by Mr. Amos 
Andriis, deceased, and comply with the requisitions of his will."* 

" Voted, That the society's committee be directed to borrow 400 dollars, 
and that they pay to Mrs. Lydia, the wife of Horace (Joodwin, 300 dollars, 

* Amos Andrus died Feb. 21, 1826, he was treasurer of the society at the 
time, the vacancy was supplied at this meeting hy the election of Roger Welles to 
that otlice, who was annually re-appointed till he roignert in 1845, when John M. 
Belden was appointed, who was continued till 1873. 



137 

and to Mrs. Hannah, the wife of Phineas Hurlbut, 100 ilollars, and take 
receipts therefor as a legacy from Mr. Amos Andrus deceased." 

" Voted, That Messrs. Levi Deming, Martin Kellogg, Jr., and Joseph 
Camp, be appointed to superintend the erecting a fence to enclose a piece 
of wood land lately given to this society by Mr. Amos Andrus deceased, 
and to see that it is kept in repair."* 

At a meeting held Nov. 6, 1827, Voted, That the society's committee 
with the agent be directed to devise some plan for the payment of the 
debts the society owes, and report at the next meeting." 

At a meeting held Nov. 20,1827. The committee presented the follow- 
ing report. 

" The committee appointed by the Ecclesiastical Society of Newington 
to devise measures for the extinguishment of said society's debts beg leave 
to report. That they have examined the wood lot belonging to the soci- 
ety, to ascertain whether it would be policy to sell the wood to pny said 
debts, and they find that most of the wood is thrifty growing timber. 
There is about two acres at the east end of said lot that is rather on the 
decay, your committee would recommend to have sold as soon as it can be 
disjiosed of to advantage. There are a few trees about the woods that 
are growing worse, they think it best to sell, and the money applied to 
extinguish said debt. They would also recommend that all the avails of 
the land over one hundred dollars a year be applied for the same purpose, 
and that whenever the sale of wood and the extra avails of the land shall 
not amount to one hundred dollars, there be taken from the avails so 
much as shall enable the society to pay 100 dollars a year until they shall 
extinguish their debt." 

" Voted, That the report of a committee appointed the last meeting to 
to devise some plan for the extinguishment of the debts of this society be 
accepted." 

" Voted, Mr. Uzziel Lattimer, with the agent, be appointed to dispose 
of the wood, according to the report of a committeee in the best manner 
they can. 

At a meeting held Nov. 4, 1828, " Voted, That the society's committee 

Extract from will of Amos Andrus. 

*" Item 5th, I give and bequeath to the Ecclesiastical society of Newington in 
connection with the Congregational Church of the Calvinistic or orthodox sen- 
timents, a farm situate in said town of WetliersfieUl, known by the name of the 
Wright lot, together with a piece of land containing about four acres situate at 
the east end of said Wright farm, the rent of which, if unsold, to be appropri- 
ated to the use and benefit of said society, either in building or repairing a place 
for the worship of God, or for the support of the gospel. And provided that 
three fourths of the members of said society shall be in favor of selling said pro- 
perty, the avails shall be added to the funds of said society, and the interest only 
be appropriated to the iibove said objects. And also I give and bequeath to said 
ecclesiastical society one piece of land situate in said town, known hy the name 
of Vexation lot, containing about forty-two acres, partly wood land and partly 
clear, on the following conditions, to wit: that said society enclose the wood land 
within fifteen months from and after the day in which the society shall be put in 
possession of said lot, and ever keep it enclosed under the inspection of a com- 
mittee appointed for that purpose. And that said society pay to my sister Lydia 
Goodwin three hundred dollars, and to my sister Hannah Hurlbut one hundred 
dollars. If the said society comply with the above mentioned conditions, the 
said lot is to be for their use with liberty to sell the clear land if three fourths of 
said society judge best. If said society do not comply with said terms then the 
land will revert to my heirs according to l.tw." 

Executed Feb. 20, 1826. His estate was appraised March 8, 1825, at $11,- 
938.43. 

18 



138 

be authorized to receive proposals from some persons for ringing the bell 
and to officiate as sexton the year ensuing."* 

At a meeting held Nov. 21, ]828, " Voted, That William Deming and 
Dosithens Hubbard be a committee to settle -with Mr. Roger AVelles, an 
agent appointed to purcliase a bell, and apply the balance if there may 
be any to repairs and ringing the bell as they think best.f 

" Voted, That the society's committee be directed to employ some suita- 
ble person to ring the bell the year ensuing at 12 o'clock and at 9, and on 
the Sabbath. 

" Voted, That Col. Joseph Camp, Roger Welles, and Dea. Levi Deming, 
be a committee to view the Wright farm, so called, and receive proposals 
from any person, vpho would wish to buy .said farm, and report at some 
future meeting." 

At a meeting held Nov. 2, 1830, " Voted, That Col. Joseph Camp, Capt. 
Daniel Willard, and Dea. Levi Deming be a committee to confer with a 
committee of the school society of Newington, to make some arrangement 
about the division of the public moneys belon<:ing to the two societies." 

At a meeting held Nov. 16, 1830, " Voted, That a report of a committee 
on the public moneys be accepted." 

'• REPORT. 

" The committee appointed by this society to confer with a similar com- 
mittee of the school society for the purpose of investigating the situ- 
ation of the funds belonging to the two societies, and to ascertain in what 
manner a division of said funds can be best eflected, beg leave to report 

" That they have carefully attended to the duties of their appointment, 
and find that the sources from which our Ecclesiastical and school funds 
are derived are as follows : 

" 1. The parsonage money, received from the sale of 50 acres of land 
granted by the town of Wethersfield to the society of Newington for the 
benefit of the Ecclesiastical society in said place. This part of the fund 
we find to be $1,718.0(1. 

" 2. The loan money, derived from the sales of land in certain townships 
in the western part of the state, done by authority of the Legislature, and 
appropriated exclusively for the benefit of schools. This part of the fund 
we find to be S279.23. 

" 3. 77ie excise money, accruing from certain imposts or duties paid on 
the importation of goods, which was apjiropriated by the legislature for 
the support of schools. This part of the fund amounts to $168.58. 

"4. The Kensington money. This was paid by the town (society) of Ken- 
sington to the society of Newington, as a compensation ibr that portion of 
said society which was annexed to Kensington, and now belon'j;s to the 
society of Worthington. This part of the fund amounts to $195.40. 

" 5. After the termination of the late war with Great Britain, Connecti- 
cut received of the United States dollars as a remuneration in part 

for expenses incurred by the State during the war, which sum the Legis- 
lature apportioned among the several religious societies in the State. Of 
this money the Ecclesiastical Society of Newington received $70.33. 

" 6. The sum of $500.00, which the Ecclesiastical society received for 
the relinquishment of its claim to the estate of Ro.sanna Deming, deceased. 

" 7. The bequest of the late Mr. Amos Andrus, deceased. As this pro- 
perty consists wholly of real estate, no estimation of its worth has been 
made by your committee. 



*This is the first mention of a church bell. Sec Dr. Brace's Dis., p. 42. 
tThc agent went to Albany for the bell and transported it from there to New- 
ington with Ids own team. That was liefoR' the time of railroads. 



139 

" With regard to the several items which compose our funds, the in-- 
quiry next arises which of these belongs to the school society. 

" Your comuiittee are not yet satisfied that the school society has a legal 
claim to any except the Loan and the Excise moneys. No difficulty arises 
with regard to any except the Kensington money. Your committee can- 
not find any record or document which shows conclusively for what pur- 
pose it was to be applied. It was simply given to the society of New- 
ington. 

" Athough your committee are unanimous in the opinion that the Eccle- 
siastical society has the best claim to the Kensington money, yet consider- 
ing that there is some diversity of opinion on the subject, and also that 
our fathers usually applied a part of the interest of the Kensington money 
for the support of schools, your committee would beg leave to recommend 
that a vote be passed authorizing your trustee to transfer to the treasurer 
of the school society one half of the Kensington money, * together with 
the Loan and Excise moneys, the whole amounting to $545.51, to be paid 
in notes or cash as shall hereafter be determined. 

" All which respectfully submitted, 

LEVI DEMING, ) 

JOSEPH CAMP, [■ Committee." 

DANIEL WILLARD,) 

Newington, Nov. 16, 1830. 

At a meeting held Nov. 30, 1830, ^' Voted, That a committee of three be 
appointed and directed to sell the farm owned by this society called the 
Wright fiirm, as soon as practicable, provided that a sum shall be od'ered 
which, in the opinion of the committee, shall be a fair price for it. Also 
that this committee be authorized to give, in the name of the society, to 
the purchaser a good and lawful deed of the same. (In the affirmative 
the votes were thirty one, Neg. none.) Voted, that Gen. Jlartin Kellogg, 
Col. Joseph Camp, Uea. Levi Deming, be the committee for the object as 
above stated." 

At a meeting held Nov. 4, 1834, "Voted, That Gen. M. Kellogg, Levi 
Deming, and Col. Joseph Camp, be a committee to give and receive deeds 
in exchange of some land to straighteu the line on the society's lot. AlsQ 
to sell the Clear lot, if an offer shall be made that they shall consider 
reasonable." 

At a meeting held April 5, 1837, "Voted, That Messrs. Roger Welles, 
Jeremiah Seymour and Martin Robbins be a committee to draw a plan of 
such alterations as this society propose to have made to the meeting house 
and report at the next meeting." 

At a meeting held April 12, 1837, " Voted, That the committee appointed 

* This division of the Kensington money was certainly liberal to the school 
society. In 1715 when the original annexation of the Beckleys to the Great 
Swamp Society took place, the main consiJeration urged by them was their near- 
ness to the meeting house in the Great Swamp Society where they attended wor- 
ship and their distance from thn Newington meeting house, the suliject of schools 
was not mentioned and prol):ihly had no influence in the matter. In 1754, when 
tlie annexation was confirmed to Kensington society, apparently the same con- 
sideration <;ovcrncd. The people annexed were incorporated a school district by 
themselves in 1757, so that their school privileges were very little affected by 
their annexation. The Kensington money was paid for the loss to Newington 
society of the territory annexed to Kensington, this tcritory would have fur- 
nished a revenue to the Newington society by way of taxes, had it not been set 
off", these taxes were in 1754 almost wholly for the support of the ministry, and 
even in 1830 the cost of schools did not probably equal the cost of supporting the 
ministry. 



140 

the last meeting be directed to apply tlie sum of 800 dollars now raised 
by subscriptions, and whatever more may liereafter be raised, in making 
such alterations in the meeting house as they shall think expedient." 

At a meeting held Nov. 7, 1837, " llefolved, That (this) meeting pre- 
sent their thanks to the Rev. Mr. Todd and wife for the prompt and lively 
interest they have manifested in fitting up and adorning our church, and 
also for their very liberal donations presented for said purpose. 

"Voted, That the thanks of this meeting be given to the Rev. Joab 
Brace, our pastor, and his family, for the aid they have given and the 
interest manifested in repairing the church, and fitting it for the public 
worship of God." * 

At a meeting held Sept. 1, 1841, " Voted, To purchase a bell for the 
Ecclesiastical society of Newington of from 700 to 800 lbs. 

" Voted, That a committee of two be directed to dispose of the old bell 
and to purchase a new one. 

"Voted, That Roger Welles and Homer Camp be that committee." 

At a meeting held Nov. 2, 1841, " Voted, That the society's committee 
be directed to set out trees about the meeting house for public convenience, 
according to their judj;ment, at the expense of the society." 

At a meeting held Oct. 1, 1842, " Voted, That a committee be appointed 
to sell a part of the society's land, Roger Welles, Martin Robbins, Erastus 
Latimer, committee." 

At a meeting held June 2, 1845, " Voted, That the society's committee 
be authorized to borrow a sum not exceeding two hundred dollars, to be 
expended in painting, blinds, repairs, &c., on the meeting house of said 
society. Voted, That J. M. Belden, M. W. Stoddard, and Levi S. Dem- 
ing be a special committee to carry the above vote into effect." 

At a meeting held Nov. 21, 1845, " Voted, That Jeremiah Seymour, Mar- 
tin Robbins, H. E. Stoddard, L. S. Doming, and Henry Luce be appointed 
a committee to view and stake out the ground in the vicinity of the Con- 
gregational Church where in their opinion it would be expedient to plant 
shade or ornamental trees, and to invite individuals of the society to select 
their spot, and plant and maintain a tree or trees on said spot. Voted, that 
the secretary be invited to take the names of those who will volunteer to 
set out trees. 

Volunteers. 

M. W. Stoddard, D. H. Willard, Erastus Latimer, E. Whaples, Jr.. 
S. J. M. Kellogg, R. W. Kellogg, William Wells, Newman Huntly, 
William Kirkham, Martin Brown, Henry S. Kilbourn, L. S. Deming, 
Henry Luce. 

At a meeting held November 5, 1851, " Voted, That Mr. Brace be 
invited to remain as pastor until he shall have completed the term of fifty 
years." 

At a meetjng held November 9, 1852, " Voted, That a committee of 
three be appointed to take into consideration the enlargement of the 
church. That M. W. Stoddard, Levi S. Deming, and D. H. Willard be 
that committee. 

At a meeting held November 16, 1852, " Voted, That the report of the 
committee on enlargement be accepted." 

At a meeting hehl December 7, 1852, " Voted, That a committee be 
appointed to take into consideration the enlargement of the churcli, said 
committee to consist of one. That Dea. Jedediah Deming be that com- 
mittee." 

At a meeting held January 4, 1853, " Voted, That the special committee 

*Among other changes the pews were altered into slips. 



141 

be directed to procure the opinions and estimates of some other architect. 
Dea. Jedediah Deminp; be that committee." 

At a meeting held January 18, 1853, " Voted, That the committee report 
on or before the first Tuesday in March. 

" Voted, That Homer Camp, Erastus Latimer, John M. Belden, and 
M. W. Stoddard be added to the committee." 

At a meeting held February 15, 1853, " Report of committee on enlarge- 
ment accepted. 

" Voted, That a committee be appointed and instructed to obtain a side 
and front elevation, with a view of the steeple raised and improved, with 
estimates of costs. 

" Voted, Edwin Wells and L. S. Deming be that committee." 

At a meeting held February 23, 1853, " Voted, That the sum of One 
Thousand Dollars be raised by subscription. That Levi S. Deming be 
agent to obtain subscriptions. That subscriptions shall be paid on or 
before the first of October next. That the agent be authorized to take 
notes in payment of subscriptions, to be paid with interest on or before 
the first of June, 1856. That a committee of seven be appointed as a 
building committee. That Albert S. Iliinn, J. Deming, jr., Charles K. 
Atwood, John M. Belden, AVillis P. Davis, Daniel H. Willard, H. L. Kel- 
logg be that committee." 

At a meeting held March 14, 1853, " That a building committee be 
appointed and authorized to enlarge and improve the meeting house in 
accordance with a general plan presented, (called White's plan,) said plan 
to be subject to alterations and amendments, as to the committee shall 
appear best. 

" Voted, That Levi S. Deming, Edwin Welles, and Albert S. Hunn be 
a building committee. 

" Voted, That a resolution appointing a committee of seven as a building 
committee, at a former meeting, be rescinded." 

At a meeting held December 13, 1853, " Voted, That the report of the 
building committee be accepted, and that the society assume the debt by 
them contracted. 

" Voted, That this society present a vote of thanks to the building com- 
mittee. 

" Voted, That this society present to Mr. Eliphalet Richards, (and his 
subordinates,) building contractor on their meeting house, a vote of thanks 
for the acceptable manner in which he has fulfilled his contract." 

At a meeting held November 7, 1854, "Whereas Rev. Joab Brace 
notified this society three years since of his readiness to discontinue his 
active duties as pastor with us, and at the request of the society, by a 
committee appointed for the purpose, agreed to continue as pastor for 
three years more, and this period having nearly expired, Therefore, Voted, 
That a committee of three be ajipointed to conler with Mr. Brace, and 
ascertain his views and wishes on the subject, and report to the next 
meeting. • 

" Voted, That Homer Camp, Charles K. Atwood, and Marcus W. Stod- 
dard be that committee." 

At a meeting held November 13, 1854, " Voted, That the report of the 
committee to confer with Rev. Mr. Brace be accepted, and that their report 
and bis communication be recorded." 

" Committee report that they met Mr. Brace at his house on the even- 
ing following their appointment, and after a very pleasant and somewhat 
lengthy interview, Mr. Brace, at our request, agreed to put his views in 
writing, which is herewith submitted." 



142 

Communication from Mr. Brace. 

Newingtox, November 9, 1854. 
To the Ecclesiastical Society of Newington. 

Your committee called on me last evening to converse on the question 
of my resigning my pastoral services among you, and now, through that 
committee I have to say, (1.) 1 thank you for the respect shown to me 
herein, by you and by the committee. (2.) I was ordained January 16, 
180.5, as the minister of this people. In the year 1851, I offered to cease 
from my labors, if my people wished it, as that was the year of my three 
score and ten, otherwise I would go on .ind complete, if God would give 
me strength and grace, the half-century of my ordination. The society 
voted that a committee be appointed to signify to me their pleasure that I 
should continue my ministry during those three years. I rejoice that 
having obtained help of God I continue lo thii time. (3.) I now propose, 
with your <ipprobation and concurrence, to resign, not to be formally dis- 
mis.^ed, but to resign, .all the active services of the pastor and minister, to 
the charge of my colleague, (as soon as he shall be settled,) at the close 
of the fifty years. (4.) I design, (if God be willing,) to preach my last 
pastoral sermon on Tuesday, the sixteenth day of January, 18.55, at two 
of the clock, P. M. 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. 

J. BRACE. 
To H. Camp, ) 

M. W. Stoddard, > Special Committee. 
Ch. K. Atwood, ) 

At a meeting held March 10, 1856, " Voted, That we concur with the 
church in extending a call to Mr. William P. Aiken to settle with us in 
the gospel ministry. 

" Voted, That we will pay Mr. Aiken the annual salary of Nine Hun- 
dred Dollars. 

" Voted, That Henry L. Kellogg, Albert S. Hunn, and John M. Belden 
be a committee to carry into effect the votes of this meeting. 

" Voted, That the committee express to him the desire of this society 
that he come as soon as convenient to him." 



TRADITIONS AND REMINISENCES OF NEWINGTON. 

COMPILED 

BY THE LATE CAPT. DANIEL WILLARD.* 
For quite a number of years, perhaps some thirty or forty years after 
the first settlers came to Wethersfield, in 1634, that part' of the town lying 
west of Cedar Mountain, since <:a.lled Newington, was a wilderness, 

" Where nothiu;,' dwelt but beasts of prey, 

Or men as fierce and wild as«they." 
The Indians were somewhiit numerous, many of them lived around a pond 
near tlie center of the place, where they had a little village of wigwams. 
From the pond they obtained an abundance of fish. Sequin was then 
Sachem, they were tributary to the Saihem at Miildletown. 



• Mr. Willard was cr.ntemporary with Dr. Brace, and lived to an advanced age. 
In the latter years of his life he gathered .and compiled a mass of materials ahout 
" Newinf;;ton, its family {;eueaIogies, with historical and biographical sketches, 
incidents, reminiscences, anecdotes, traditions, &c.," from which the fullowing 
account has been condensed, retaining as (:w as possible his own langu.age. The 
original manuscript is in the possession of his son, Daniel H. Willard. It con- 
tains genealogies of the families in Newington of great interest. 



143 

The people of Newington need not be ashamed of their early ancestors. 
Most of them were descendants of the pilr;riin fithers of New England, 
and retain much of the " steady habits " of Connecticut. Some thirty 
years ago a Connecticut historian, speaking of Newington, says, " Its 
inhabitants (about 650 in number) are chiefly engaged in agriculture, and 
are distinguished for their general intelligence, and attachment to the 
institutions of morality and religion." At a very early period they built 
school houses, and provided teachers for thiir children. As soon as they 
were able they erected a house for public worship. Previous to that time 
they attended church at Wethersfield, they walked through the woods, the 
women carrying their infant children in their arms, and taking off their 
shoes and stockings to ford the streams, and the men carrying their loaded 
guns, for fear of the Indians. The early settlers of Newington were not 
more than two generntions later than their Puritan fathers, who came to 
Hartfoi'd and Wethersfield about the year 1634, than whom a more worthy 
race of men cannot be found in Modern History. 

The first settlers and their more immediate descendants were a strong, 
hardy, athletic race, capable of greater endurance of bodily toil than the 
more lefined and better educated men of the present day. To reap, bind, 
and stack an acre of heavy, new-land wheat, was but a common day's 
work. The late Mr. Amos Andrus, who was born in 1765, said that he 
could well remember when the old men were not so tall in stature, but 
larger, heavier, more thick set and hardy, as he expressed it, than the men 
of later generations. 

Our maternal ancestors were the fit companions of the brave pioneers 
and founders of a new settlement, most of them pious women, some of 
them " mothers in Israel," with strength equal to their day; see them, 
after the toils and hardships of the week, without servants, without the 
modern improvements in houses, fires, and culinary utensils, see them, on 
the morning of the Sabbath, take their infant children in their arms and 
walk through the forests to Wethersfield to attend public worship. I 
ought to have added, that until the last half century, most of the clothing 
both for summer and winter, was of their own manufacturing, exce|)t the 
dressing of it by the clothiers. When all wore homespun, they were as 
proud of a new garment as many are now ot the most costly fabi ics. 

I remember well when there was not a white house in the place, one 
was of a greenish color, a few were painted with Spanish brown, all the 
others of the natural wood color. Stoves were not known, many of the old 
fire places were wide and deep enough to seat a number of children on 
stools inside the jambs; few or none of the rooms were plastere<l, papered, 
or painted; women rode to church on side-saddles or pillions, except a few 
who owned a poor two-wheeled carriage, called a curricle, I know of only 
one one-horse wagon that was for the conveyance of people to church and 
other places. 

The old meeting house was very much dilapidated. When a child I 
watched the swallows as they flew in and out, where some clapboards had 
fallen off near the ridge, chirping and twittering to their young in their 
nests under the ridge pole, while Mr. Belden was reading from the 84th 
Psalm — " Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest 
for herself, where she may lay her young, even tliine altars, O Lord of 
hosts." 

I do not blame our ancestors for not building a better house, they did 
all that they were able to do. I only blame those of later time for not 
buililing a good church sootier than they did. The people had to submit 
to the inconveniences and discomforts of the old house 80 years. The 
house was not finished inside except the pulpit, pews, galleries, and gallery 
stairs, which were at the northeast and southeast corners of the house. 



144 

Children were often seated on the stairs, in full view of their parents and 
the minister. The tithingmen had the oversiiiht of those in the galleries. 
There was a very wide soiuulin^-board over the pulpit, suspended in part 
by an iron rod running from the board to the side of the house. 1 was 
not the only child who was afraid that the rod would break or draw from 
its fastenings, and let the sounding board fall on the minister's head. I 
remember well the neighboring ministers who exchanged with Mr. Belden, 
previous to the year 1800. I remember well their venerable forms, their 
solemn deportment, their dignified step, as they passed through the middle 
aisle and up the pulpit stairs. Such men as Dr. Perkins of We»t Hart- 
ford, Dr. Smalley of New Britain, Mr. Washburn of Farniington, Mr. 
Hawley of Noithington, now Avon, Dr. Upson of Kensington, Mr. Fenn 
of Worlhington, Mr. Robinson of Southington, Dr. Chapin of Rocky Hill, 
Dr. Marsh of Wethersfield, and once or twice Dr. ibtrong or Dr. Flint of 
Hartford. Dr. J'liut was the best reader of Psalms and Hymns that I 
ever heard. Drs. Strong and Smalley were great theologians. These 
ministers were all faithful embassadors of Christ. Like all other good 
men they had some failings and imperfections. They were not so free and 
sociable with the youth and children as the ministers of the preseiit day. 
Most of us could never divest ourselves of the awe and reverence we felt, 
when in the presence of Mr. Belden. He continued to wear his three- 
cornered, wide-brimmed, cocked hat, and Dr. Marsh his great white wig, 
T think while they continued to preach. Their dress, address, and whole 
demeanor was calculated to inspire us with reverence, rather than win our 
love and aflection. My father, who was one of the committee who engaged 
Mr. Brace to be our pastor, said to him, " I hope that my children will not 
stand in such fear of you as I have of Mr. Belden." " I hope not," said 
Mr. Brace, " I shall endeavor not to give them any occasion lor it." The 
boys of former times took olF their hats and made a low bow to a minister, 
whenever he passed by them in the street. 

Many years before Sabbath schools were ever known, Mr. Belden, on 
certain Sabbaths in the summer season, would request all the chiUlren of 
the Congregation to stay and recite the Assembly's Catechism, after the 
adult portion of the assembly were dismissed. 

The sermons were more formal, less concise, too much time spent in the 
introduction, in enumerating the different heads (quite too many of them 
sometimes,) or divisions of the discourse, all tending to make it too 
lengthy, especially in a cold day, in a cold house, with no means of warm- 
ing it, but the few coals in the foot stoves, which the women carried to 
church with them. 

The holy Sabbath is not so strictly kept by us as it was by our ances- 
tors. Like the Puritan Fathers, they consideied the .Sabbath as begin- 
ning at sun down on Saturday evening ; all worldly avocations and secular 
business, (except works of necessity or mercy,) were btrought to a close 
as near as possible at that time ; the evening,>is well as the Sabbath day, 
except attendance at church, was spent in reading the Bible and other reli- 
gious books, of which those in the Charity library formed an essential part. 
The children often recited the Assembly's catechism, the little children 
were taught to learn Dr. Watts' catechism and divine songs, &c. It was 
considered sacred time from the setting of the sun on Saturday eve. to the 
same hour on Sunday evening. 

The means of information have been multiplied many fold. I recollect 
well when there were but few books except those contained in our three 
public libraries, of which we were in advance of most country places. 
There were then no daily newspapers, no weekly papers accessible to us 
but the Courant and Mercury, both of which were smaller than our daily- 
papers now are. There were no reports of Bible, Missionary, Tract, and 



145 

Sabbath School Socielies, &c., which were not then in existence, with the 
exception of the Connecticut Mission'ary Society, wliich employed a few 
laborers in the new settlements in the State of Vermont, Western New 
York, and later in New Connecticut, as it was then called. That society 
once a year, published a [,amphl>'t containing an account of the labors 
of their missionaries, one copy only of which was sent to Newington for 
the whole society to read, on which Mr. Belden, with his characteristic 
precision, wrote, " This book belongs to the Ecclesiastical Society of New- 
injTton, to be circulated from neighbor to neighbor as speedily as may be." 
There was one magazine, viz. The Connecticut Evangelical Magazine, the 
articles of which were very ably written by such men as Dr. Strong, Dr. 
Suialley, Dr. Perkins and others. 

Jt is well known that slavery once existed in Newington, though our 
young children will hardly realize that several of their forefathers owned 
negro slaves. But the servituile here was much milder than it is in the 
Gulf States, in Cuba, Brazil, or, as I should think among the serfs of Rus- 
sia, who have lately been emancipated by the Emperor Alexander, 2d. 
It was more like tbat which existed in the family of Abraham, and the 
other Patriarchs of old. Our ancestors who owned them were humane, 
benevolent, and conscientious men, who taught them to read, especially the 
Bible, to go to church, and in some cases they were allowed almost as 
much liberty as members of their own families. A part of these slaves 
were emancipated by the voluntary acts of their masters, others by enact- 
ments of pur State Legislature. 

Deacon Jo^iah Willard, in his will, provided for the freedom of Guinea, 
whenever his old mistress dieil, which I should think was before he arrived 
at middle age. He was brought from the coast of Guinea in Africa and 
sold to Dea. Willard. Deacon John Camp bought a negro boy, named 
Pomp, said to have been brought from the AVest Indies. I was told that 
the Deacon paid pound for pound for him, that is, he paid twenty shillings 
in money lor every pound that Pomp weighed. Pomp, after he obtained 
his freedom, married Zilpah, by whom he had eight children. 

Mr. Gideon Hunn, I think, had a negro whose name was Toney ; James 
Lusk had a negro named Peter; Unni Robbins, ] st, had one whose name 
was Benuni; Daniel Willard, 1st, had one named Brisco; he died when a 
boy ; Rev. Mr. Belden had one whose name was Job ; Lemuel Whittlesey 
had one named Dick ; Capt. Martin Kellogg owned two negroes. Step and 
Katrine, he permitted Step to many Katrine. Step had a little child 
named Pegg. I remember that on the Mitchell farm in the south part of 
the place, lived two aged negroes, called Toin and Frank. Towards the 
close of Tom's life, at his own request, the pastor, deacons, and several 
members of the church met at his house and with him partook of the 
Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Capt. Jonathan Stoddard had one who 
was called Jim. 

The names of some of the physicians who have resided in Newington 
are : Dr. Andrus, a shrewd, observing man, who had a very retentive mem- 
ory ; Dr. Richards was one of our early physicians, he introduced the 
innoculation of the small pox in Newington ; Dr. Joshua Belden was an 
excellent physician ; Dr. Archibald Hall practiced medicine more or less 
many years ; Dr. Wadsworth also during a much shorter period. 

In 1776 the population of Newington was about 500. Many of its 
inhabitants have lived to a good old age. During the fifty years of Dr. 
Brace's ministry the number of deaths of pei-sons between 70 and 80 years 
were G-t ; between the ages of 80 and 95 there were 36 persons; making 
in all 100 deaths of those 70 years old and upwards. 

Newington has been blessed with several revivals of religion. The 

19 



146 

greatest of them was that of 1821, under the solemn and pungent preaching 
of Rev. Dr. Nettleton. It is often spoken of as the qreal revival. There were 
fifty heads of families, viz. 25 husbands with their 25 wives, that were 
soon afterwards received into the church at one time, as the fruits of that 
revival. Several others of difleient ages united with the church, Widow 
Charity Tryon, then 70 years old, was one of them, she lived to the 
advanced age of 94|- years. This work of grace was previous to the era 
of Sabbath schools, since then, revivals have been greater in Dr. Brace's 
Bible class and in the Sabbath school than among other classes of people. 

In 1831 there was a great revival, followed by another in 18-14. These 
last two were the most powerful among the young people and children. 

The Sabbath school has been well sustained ever since its commence- 
ment. It has proved to be an important auxiliary to the ministration of 
Divine truth. It has shared Largely in the religious revivals. There has 
been a time when more than one-half of all belonging to or connected with 
the school were members of the church. The superintendents of the 
school have been Daniel Willard, superintendent the first 13 years, Wil- 
liam Deming, assistant superintendent and secretary during the same time, 
Dea. Origen Wells, Dea. Jedidiah Deming, Levi S. Deming, Marcus W. 
Stoddard, Charles K. Atwood, and Joseph J. Francis. 

After the revolution the schools in Newington progressed rapidly. By 
the year 1800, our schools were in a good state, and before 1830, the 
principal branches of a common school education, such as reading, spell- 
ing, writing, arithmetic, grammar, and geograjjhy vi&re as faithfully taught 
as they have been at any time. Our old people well remember the times 
when the two oldest classes of the several schools, at the close of the win- 
ter sessions, were assembled at the church for a public e.xamination and 
exhibition. 

Newington has not fallen short of other country places in its military 
character. At an early period a militia company was organized, I find 
by a diary kept by Daniel Willard, 1st, that in the year 1741, there was 
a draft made of one half of the company, viz. 1 ensign, 2 sergeants, 2 cor- 
porals, 1 drummer and 23 privates, in all 29 persons, which would make . 
the company at that early date to consist of 58 persons. 

I can name but a part of those who were Captains of the Company 
before the Revolutionary w.ar and during its continuance. John Camp, 
Josiah Willard. Martin Kellogg, 2d, Martin Kellogg, 3d, Robert Wells, 
Sen., Robert Wells, Juu., Charles Churchill, Jonathan Stoddard, Sen. 
Captains of the company after the Revolution, Levi Lusk, Absalom Wells, 
Robert Francis, Jonathan Stoddard, Jun., Martin Kellogg, 5th, James 
Deming, Joseph Caiup. On the re-organization of the militia a Light 
Infantry Company was enlisted from the 1st and 2d societies, about two- 
thirds of them from Newington. 

Captains of the Light Infantry Company who belonged to Newington : 
Joseph Camp, Simeon Stoddanl, Daniel Willard, Erastus Latimer, Erastus 
Francis, Selden Deming, Daniel H. Willard, Albert S. Ilunn. 

The light infantry company for many years after its organization was 
considered superior to any company in the regiment. 

Newington has furnished its full share of soldiers in tlie war of the 
Revolution. It has furnished more Generals and Field Oflicers, in pro- 
portion to its population, than any place with which I have been ac- 
quainted. Four Colonels, viz. Roger Welles, Levi Lusk, Martin Kellogg, 
and Joseph Camp, three of them, viz. Welles, Lusk, and Kellogg were 
afterwards Brigadier Generals, and two of them, Lusk and Kellogg were 
promoted to the Rank of Major Generals. Newington furnished many 
men in the Revol»tionary war. Some of them lost their lives in that service. 
In the war of 1712-15, two small drafts were made from the company. 



147 

and stationed at Groton to defend New London and the frigate Macedon- 
ian and the sloop of war Hornet, from any attack that might be made 
from the British fleet on the coast. Gen. Levi Liislc commanded the mili- 
tia and Lieut. Joseph Camp, (afterwards Col. Camp) had a command 
there. 



CHURCH RECORDS, 1803— 1SS7. 
I. 

ADMISSIONS TO COMMUNION. 



Feb. 3, 1805. Admitted to Com- 
munion, Lucy, wife of Joab 
Brace, by letter from West 
Hartford.* 

Feb. 17. Absalom Welles and 
Lorrain his wife, having stood 
propounded the usual time, viz. 
2 weeks, as also those which 
follow. 

March 3. Sally, the wife of Levi 
Deming. 

April '28. Luther Latimer. 

June 30. Elizabeth, the wife of 
Francis Deming. 

June 30. Lucretia, the wife of 
Solomon Churchill. 

Oct. 13. Jennette, the wife of 
John Kirkham, Elizabeth, the 
wife of Leonard C. Hubbard, 
and Lydia Churchill, daughter 
of Lttvi Churchill. 

Oct. 27. Irene Andrus, (daugh- 
ter of Eiizur Andrus) and 
Mary Shepard. 

Jau. 4, 1807. Lemuel Whittle- 
sey, and Hannah, his wife. 

March 1. Benjamin Hopkins, 
per letter from Kensington. 

March 1. John Phillips, per let- 
ter from Sangerfield, N. Y. 

Nov. 6, 1808. Nancy Seymour, 
daughter of Elias Seymour. 



Jan. 1, 1809. Josiah Willard and 
Rhoda his wife, per letter from 
Wethersfield. 

March 5. Zerviab, wife of Reu- 
ben Whaples. 

Oct. 29. Rosetta, the wife of 
John Squier. 

July 1, 1810. Harvey Francis, 
son of Justus Francis. 

Aug. 19. Mary, the wife of Jo- 
seph Hulet. 

Aug. 25, 1811. Wm. Kirkham. 

Aug. 25. Lucy, the wife of Sim- 
eon Stoddard. 

April 5, 1812. Candace, wife of 
Jno. Stoddard. 

April 5. Mary Wells, daughter 
of Dea. Wells. 

April 26. Chloe Deming. 

May 27. Thomas, a black man. 

Aug. 23. Prudence Kellogg, 
daughter of M. Kellogg. 

Nov. 1. Mary A. Churchill, 
daughter of Samuel Churchill. 

Nov. 1. Julia Churchill, daughter 
of Solomon Churchill. 

Nov. 1. Mercy Churchill, daugh- 
ter of Samuel Churchill. 

Nov. 1. Lucinda Sage of Middle- 
town. 

May 2, 1813. Nancy, the wife of 
Elisha Whaples. 



* " This may certify that Lucy, the wiTe of the Rev. Joab Brace, is a member in 
full communion of the cliurch of Christ in West Hartford, and in good standing; 
and as such is herel)y recommended to the enjoyment of all gospel ordinances in the 
the church of Christ in Newiiigton, and will be considered as dismissed from our 
watch and care when received by tlie saiil church. 

NATHAN PERKINS, Pastor, 

In the name and behalf of the church." 
West Hartford. Jau. 26, 1805. 



148 



May 2. Abigail, tiie wife of 

Samuel Whaple*. 
Feb. 27, 1814. Sarah, wife of 

Elisha Whaples, 2d. 
May 1. Origen Wells and Sarah 

his wife. 
March .5, 1815. Klizaboih, tlie 

wife of Leonard C. Hubbard, 

by letter from Lejdeii, N. Y. 
May 7. Mary, wife of Martin 

Kellogg, Jun. 
May 7. Sophronia, wife of Asaph 

WiJlard. 
May 7. Ciiarlotte Welles. 
May 5, 1816. Widow Lucretia 

Wells, Lois, the wife of Levi 

Hurlburt, Sopliia, the wife of 

William Kiikham. 
May [>. Electa Kellogg. 
" Gennette Kirkham. 

" Robert Ro(!kwell. 

" Hiram Stoddard. 

Jan. 1, 1818. Ruth Barnes, the 

wife of Martin Barnes, by letter 

from Bolton. 
Jan. 17, 1819. Elias Andrews. 
July 25. Henry Blannot. 
Sept. 19. Nancy, wife of Sylves- 
ter Hurlburt. 
Sept. 19. Abigail Kilbourn. 
Dec. 12. Sylvester Hurlburt. 
Aug. 20, 1820. Charlotte Chur- 
chill. 
Aug. 20. Elizabeth Kilbourn. 
May 6, 1821. Eunice Kilbourn. 

" Jonathan Stoddard, Sen. 

" Eli-ha Whajiles, 1st. 

" Elislui Whaplcs, -Id. 

'• Daniel Willard and Laura, 
his wife. 

" William Deming and Sarah, 
his wife. 

" Eunice Hubbard, wife of 
Dositheus Hubbard. 

" Sarah Dow, wife of Samuel 
Dow. 

" Nancy Drinkwater, wife of 
Thomas Drinkwater. 

" Jedidiali Deming and Mary, 
his wife. 



May G, 1821. Ahna Camp. 

'• Horace Hopkins and Fan- 
ny, his wife. 

" Abel Matson and Mabel, 
his wife. 

" Giles Smith and Lydia 
Smith, his wife. 

" Josiali W. Griswold and 
Mary Ami, his wife. 

" .Jeremiah Seymour and Em- 
ily, his wife. 

" Anson Wliaples and Sarah, 
his wife. 

" William McCarty and Jeru- 
sha. his wife. 

" Lester Luce and Sophia, his 
wife. 

" Benjamin Hopkins and Har- 
riet, his wife. 

" Pliebe INIessenger. 

" Roger Welles and Electa, 
bis wife. 

" Aaron Tryon. 

" Zerah Preston. 

" Elisha Whaples, 3d. 

" Elisha Whaples, 4lh. 

" Ei-astus Kilbourn. 

" John C. Dow. 

" Sabra Stoddard. 

" Sarah Dow. 

'' Huldah Sedgwick. 

" Mary S. Brace. 

" Martha Brace. 
July 1. Martha Graham. 

" Huldah Squire. 

" Thomas Drinkwater. 

" Dositheus Hubbard. 

" Rebekah Tryon. 

" John Whaples. 

" Henry Kilbourn. 

" Joshua Belden. 

" Mason Belden. 

" Emeline Brown. 
Aug. 30. Ruth Francis, wife of 
Justus Francis, by letter from 
Simsbury. 
Sept. 2. Reuben Whaples. 

'• Archibald Hall and Harriet 
his wife. 

" Chester Churchill. 



149 



Sept. 2, 1821. Erastus Lattimer. 
" Lucy Churchill. 
" Jemima Churchill. 
" M;n-y Steel. 
Nov. 4. Ellas Seymour. 
Jan. 6. 1822. Beulah Stoddard, 
wife of Elisha Stoddard. 
" Catherine "Wells, wife of 
William Well8. 
Sept. 1. Salome Deming, by let- 
ter from Bristol. 
July 6, 1823. Laura Whittle>ey, 

wife of Asaph Whittlesey. 
May 7, 1826. Prudence, the wife 
of Enos Demino;. 
" Mary Ann, the wile of Lot 

Beckwith. 
" Mary Cole. 
" Seth Collins Brace. 
" Alma, wife of John Fuller, 
Jr., by letter from Burlington. 
Jan. 7, 1827. Timothy Stanley. 

" Anna Wells. 
Mar. 4. Sarah, wife of Unni 
Robbins, by letter from Ken- 
sington. 
" Elmina, wife of Erastus 
Kilbourn, by letter from N. 
Britain. 
Nov. 4. Anna, wife of James 
Blinn, letter fr. Wethersfield. 
Mar. 2, 1 828. Nancy, the wife of 
Cyrus Francis, by letter from 
N. Britain. 
July 6. lilecta Whittlesey, letter 

from Stockbridge. 

Nov. 2. Sally, the wife of Dea. 

Levi Deming, by letter from 

West Hartford. 

Mar. 1, 1829. Fanny, wife of 

Hiram Stoddard, by letter 

from East Windsor. 

May 3. Elisha Stoddard. 

" Allen Stoddard. 

" Dorothy Stoddard. 

" Sarah Chapman. 

" Eleanor Celia Wells. 

" Caroline Deming. 

" Ehoda Willard. 

Sept. 6. Lucinda D. Hall. 



Sept. 6. Rhoda Brown. 

" Charlotte Kiikham. 

" Mary A. Wells. 

" Maria Hubhard- 

" Catherine Wells. 

" Emily Hubbaid. 
May 2, 1830. Homer Camp, by 

letter from New Preston. 
i\Iay 1, 1831. Lucretia, wife of 
Chester Churchill. 

" Joab Brace, Jr. 

" Samuel Brace. 
Jan. 1, 1832. Augustus Wilson. 

" Daniel H. Willard. 

•' Marcus W. Stoddard. 

" Albert S. Hunn. 

" William McCarter. 

" Henry G. Tucker. 

'' William S. Deming. 

" William F. Willard. 

" Levi S. Deming. 

" Charity Tryon. 

" Harriet Rockwell. 

" Electa Hazzard. 

" Amanda A. Whaples. 

" Sarah Abernethy. 

" Sarah Deming. 

" Elizabeth Willard. 

" Martha iMcCaiter. 

" Lucinda Wells. 

" Mary S. Stoddard. 

" Mary Kellogg. 

« Mary A. Gnswnld. 

" Julia A. SlO'lilard. 
Mar. 4. David Hunn. 

" Lydia Smith, by letter from 
Boonville. 

" Charity P. Chirk, by letter 
from N. Hartford. 
May 6. Lot Beckwith. 

" Honor Stoddard. 

" Hannah Hunter. 
July 1. Delia Camp. 
Mar. 2, 1834. Esther W., wife 
of Elisha Bliim, letter from 

• "W^ethersfield. 
May' 4. Josiah Atwood. 
Mar. 1, 1835. Henry G. Little. 

" James B. Wells. 
May 1, 1836. Emily W., wife of 



150 



Lowrey Robbins, letter from 
Southington. 
Nov. 5, 1837. Mary Slater, by 
letter from West Hartford. 

" Coriu-Iia Deming. 

May G. 1838. Uzziel Lattimer. 

" Lucy Robbins. 

" Uimi Robbins. 

" Amelia Aiulrus. 

" Susanna Whaples. 

" Hannah Kelsey. 

'• Seviah H. W. Lattimer. 

" Minerva C. Rodgers. 

« Eliza Wells. 

« Sarah M. D. Willard. 

May 6, 1838. Mary Wells. 

" Harriet Rockwell. 

July 1. Elisha Blinn. 

" Edwin Welles. 

" Jedidiali Deming, jun. 

" Charles K. Atwood. 

" .Josiah E. Atwood. 

"• Ji'hn M. Atwood. 

" Martin K. Whittlesey. 

" Heman A. Whittlesey. 

" Dennis W. Dorniau. 

" Samuel J. M. Kellogg. 

" Charles Kellogg. 

" John W. Brace. 

" Sophronia Tucker. 

" Mary Tucker. 

" Emeline G. Kilbourn. 

" Frances N. W. Griswold, 

" Sarah C. Wells. 

" Susan S. Wells. 

" Lucy Wells. 

" Frances G. Wells. 

" Charlotte J. Welles. 

" Julia Welles. 

" Abigail Welles. 

" Sarah M. Whaples. 

" Julia Whaples. 

" Eliza J. Davis. 

" Julia Ann L. Davis, 

" Mary Seymour. 

" Harriet P. Atwood. 

" Eliza Kilbourn. 

Nov. 4. Mary Blinn. 

" Ann Gaylord. 

" Julia Churchill. 



Jan. 13, 1839. Lucretia Chur- 
chill, from cburcli, Augusta, 
Georgia, letter. 
" Mary E. Belden, wife of J. 
M. Belden, from Glastonbury, 
letter. 
April 28. Maria Richards, wife 
of Eliphalet Richards, from 
Middletown, letter. 
Nov. 3. Maria H. Lamberton, 
wife of Stephen P. Lamber- 
ton, from Bloomtield, letter. 
Mar. 1, 1840. Abigail F. Kel- 
logg, recommended by letter 
from Marshall, N. Y. 
Sept. 6. Solomon Churchill. 
Jan. 3, 1841. Sophronia Saun- 
ders, rec. by letter from 3d 
church, East Windsor. 
" John Kilbourn, rec. by let. 
from Yale College. 
May 2. Henry L. Kellogg. 
" Chauncey Deming. 
" Elizabeth C. Kirkham. 
" Abigail, wife of Robert 
Chapman, by letter from West 
Avon. 
July 4. Eunice C. Lattimer. 

" Mary K. Atwood. 
Sept. 5. Jemima Simons, by let- 
ter from Holton. 
Nov. 6, 1842. Philenia Wells, by 

letter from Westfield, JIs. 
Mar. 5, 1843. Caroline S. Dem- 
ing, wife of Levi S. Deming, 
by letter from Madison. 
June 4. William Wells. 
" James Blinn. 
" James B. Blinn. 
" Sophia L. Kirkham. 
" John G. Stoddard. 
" John S. Kirkham. 
" George T. Davis. 
" Walter Whaples. 
" Carlos Huntley. 
" Samuel N. Rockwell. 
" Warren D. Whaples. 
" Chester W. Carter. 
" Andrew Jackson. 
" Nancy A. Whaples. 



151 



June 4. AbigJiil J. Kilbourn. 
" Frances M. Judd. 
" Julia Pierce. 
" Cliarlotte Wells. 
" Wyllis P. Davis. 
" Henry S. Kilbourn. 
" Marilla Hubbard. 
" Hepzibah Deming. 
" Aaron and Lucietia Davis. 
" Henry and Martha Deming. 
" Joseph Camp. 
" Sarah Blown. 
" Henry and Hannah M. 

Luce. 
" Charles Stoddard. 
Nov. 2. Nancy Wells, by letter 

from Tolland. 
Jan. 4, 1844. Cbloe S. Hum- 
phrey, letter fr. Vernon, 2d. 
" Harvey .Stearns, letter from 

Vernon, 2d. 
" Ann S. Stearns, letter from 

Vernon. 
" Amy Wood, let. fr. Vernon. 
" Sarah Smith, " " 

May 5. Martha C. Fuller, letter 

from Franklin. 
Sept. 1. Margaret, wife of Wil- 
liam Hubbard, letter fr. West- 
field, Mass. 
Nov. 3. Abner Simons, let. from 
Worthington, 3d ch., Berlin. 
" Cornelia Whittlesey. 
Mar. 2, 1845. Cornelia F. Dem- 
ing, wife of Ch. Deming, let. 
fr. Hartford, 4t,h church. 
Sept. 7. Sophia, wife of Joseph 
Camp, letter fr. New Haven, 
Chapel St. 
July 5, 1846. Ely Gifford and 
wife, letter from Kockville. 
" Charlotte Churchill, letter 
from Cheraco, S. C. 
July 4, 1847. Lucinda Gaylord. 

letter from West Harttord. 
Nov. 1, 1849. Edwin Gaylord 
and his wife Lucy Gaylord, 
from West Hartford. 



Nov. 4. Hngh Davies, let. from 
Liverpool, Eng., Thos. Raf- 
fles, D. D. 

Sept. 1, 1850. Sarah Theodosia 
Bobbins, d. of Unni Bobbins 
and Sarah. 
" Electa Stanley Welles, d. of 
Boger and Electa Welles. 

Jan. 5, 1851. Lemuel W. Camp, 
s. of Homer Camp. 

July 6. Laura Kellogg Camp, d. 
of Homer Camp. 
" Mary Bobbins, d. of Unni 

Bobbins. 
" Emily Sophia Bobbins, d. of 
Lowrey Bobbin.s. 

May 2, 1852. Caroline A. Camp, 
d. of Homer and Delia Camp. 
" Jane McElratli, letter from 
W. Harlford. 

July 4. Abigail Bockwell, d. of 
Bobert and Harriet Bock- 
well. 
" Harriet B. Dillings, wid. of 
Nelson D., d. of Bob. Bock- 
well. 

Jan. 2, 1853. Frances Mnria 
Lamberton, d. of Stephen 
P. Lamberton. 

May 7, 1854. Frances S. W. 
Stoddaid, w. of M. W. Stod- 
dard, letter fr. Wethersfield. 
" Sarah Wells Stoddard, wife 
of Bufus Stoddard, letter fr. 
Wethersfield. 

July 2. Percy Bichards, d. of 
Francis Bichards. 

Sept. 3. Mary Ann, wife of Geo. 
T. Davis, let. fr. Cromwell. 

Dec. 31. Caroline S. R. Stod- 
dard, wife of John G. Stod- 
dard, letter fr. Charlemont. 

Jan. 4, 1855. Adeline Lewis, 

wife of Lewis, letter 

Waterbury.* 

May 6. John McElrath and Jane 
his wife. 

June 28. Woodford Kilbourn. 



* The last entry in Dr. Brace's handwriting. Tliose that follow were admitted 
after he left. 



152 



Sept. 22. Mary Abilene Dow. 
Nov. 4. Samufl Chauncey Dix. 

•' Henry Elbert Loveland. 

" Hiram Hudson Stoddard. 

" Joseph Camp. 

" Cyrus Franitis. 

'' Henry Martin Robbins. 

" Mrs. Ho|)y Lovelaud. 

" Martha Urania Dow. 

" Jane Margaret Finnegan. 

" Mary Jane Stoddard. 

" Lydia Francis Camp. 

" Mary Klisabetli Browu. 

" Julia Maria Cady. 

" Valina Ann Francis. 

" Emeline Elisabeth Kil- 
bourn. 



Nov. 4. Nancy Kilbourn. 

•' Sarah Tiiompson. 

" Delia Richards. 

" Mary Ann Richards. 

" Ehza Kilbourn Richards. 

" Mary Ann Seymour. 

" Sarah Jane Rockwell 
Jan. 13, 1856. Daniel Dwight 
AVillard. 

" JuUa Norton Atwood. 
Mar. 2. Franklin Carroll Latti- 
mer. 

" Tiiomas Russell Byrnes. 

" Mary K. Richards, wife of 
Oliver. 
July 6. Celiuda Clarissa Wiers. 



n. 



April 2^^, 1805. Joshua, s. of Fitch Andrus and Lois his wife. 

May 5. Ralph, s. of Absalom Wells and Lorrain his wife. 

Aug. 18. Julia, Nancy, Chester, and Cynthia, children of Solomon 
Churchdl and Lucretia his wife. 

Oct. 27. Irene Andrus and Mary Shepard, adults. 

Jan. 5, 1806. John Butler, Jennette, and Lucy, children of John 
Kirkiiam and .Jennette his wife. 
" Abigail Deming, d. of Leo. C. Hubbard and Elizabeth his wife. 

May 18. Jemima, d. of Solomon Churchill and Lucretia his wife. 

June 8. Mary Skinner, d. of Joab Brace and Lucy his wife. 

June 15. Walter Wells, s. of Ashbel Seymour and Mary hi,s wife. 

Sept. 9. Cornelia Susanna Wesley, d. of Joseph Lynde and M.artha 
his wife, per Mr. Belden. 

Oct. 26. John Mason, s. of Joshua Belden, .Tr., and Dorotha his wife. 
" Monerva, child of Feck, at Kensington. 

May 31, 1S()7. s. of Levi Churchill. 

Sept. C. Rhoda, d. of Absalom Wells and Lorrain his wife. 

Aug. 28, 1808. Mary, d. of Justus Francis and Lois his wife. 

Mar. 26, 1809. Martha, d. of Joab Brace and Lucy his wife. 

June 25. Hubertus, s. of John A. Phillips and Honor his wife. 

Sept. 3. Thomas Foster, s. of Reuben AVhaples and Zerviah his wife. 

Sept. 17. Caroline, d. of Levi Deming and Sally his wife. 

May 13, 1810. Calvin, William, Daniel, Reuben, and Abigail, chil- 
dren of Reuben Whaples and Zerviah his wife. 

July 1 . Josefih, s. of Levi Hurlburt and Lois his wife. 

Oct. 21. Amelia, Harriet, Mary, and Hiram Hopkins, children of 
Jose])li llulet and Mary his wife. 

Aug. 11, 181 1. Seih Collins, s. of Joab Brace and Lucy his wife. 



153 

Aug. 25. William Kirkhara, adult. 

" Lucy, the wife of Simeon Stoddard. 

" Almii-a, d. of John A. Phillips and Honor his wife. 

Ajiril 19, 1812. Sally Maria, d. of Levi Deming and Sally his wife. 

]May 10. Martha, d. of Levi Hurlhurt and Lois his wife. 

M:iy 27. Thomas, a black man. 

May 31. George, s. of Reuben Whaples and Zerviah his wife. 

June 14. Hiram Edwards, Sabra, Nathan Fenn, Candace, Joseph, 
and Abigail Honor, children of Jonathan Stoddard and Candace 
his wife. 

Aug. 23. Abigail, wife of David Hunn. 

May 2, 1813. Abigail, wife of Samuel Whaples. 

June 27. Newton, William, and Simeon, children of Simeon Stod- 
dard and Lucy his wife, per Mr. Williams. 

July 18. Enos Higley, Mary Ann, and Albert Smith, children of 
David Huun and Abigail his wife. 

Sept. 12. Harriet, Sally, Fanny, Henry, Mary, and Laura, children 
of Samuel Whaples and Abigail his wife. 

Sept. 26. Elisha, Curtis, and James Blinn, children of Elisha Wha- 
ples and Nancy his wife. 

June 19, 1814. Marcus Willard, s. of Allen Stoddard and Mary his 
wife. 

July 10. Eliza, (adopted,) and Mary Anthony, children of Origen 
Wells and Sarah his wife. 

Aug. 7. Joab, s. of Joab Brace and Lucy his wife. 

" Robert and Solomon Welles, children of Elisha Whaples and 
Sarah his wife. 

May 14, 1815. Lucindn, d. of Origen Wells and Sarah his wife. 

July 2. Martin and Roger Welles, children of Martin Kellogg, jr., 
and Mary his wife. 

Oct. 15. Abigail, d. of Samuel Whaples and Abigail his wife. 

Feb. 18, 1816. Charlotte, d. of Asaph Willard and Sophronia his 
wife. 

May 5. Sophia, wife of William Kirkham. 

" Henry Laurens, s. of Martin Kellogg, jr., and Mary his wife. 

July 7. Mary Sophia, d. of Allen Stoddard and Mary his wife. 

Nov. 17. Fidelia, d. of Simeon Stoddard and Lucy his wife. 

May 25, 1817. Samuel, s. of Joab Brace and Lucy his wife. 

June 22. Jane, d. of William Kirkham and Sophia his wife. 

May 17, 1818. James Daniel, s. of Asaph Willard and Sophronia 
his wife. 

May 24. Levi Sage, s. of Levi Deming and Sally his wife. 

Aug. 23. Sarah Sage, d. of Elisha Whaples and Sarah his wife. 

Nov. 15. Sidney, s. of Allen Stoddard and Mary his wife. 

July 25, 1819. Henry Blannot, adult. 

Aug. 22. Mary, d. of Martin Kellogg, jr., and Mary his wife. 

Sept. 5. Ruth Maria, d. of Martin Barns and Ruth his wife. 

Sept. 19. Abigail Kilbourn, adult. 

Oct. 17. Sarah Clarina, d. of Origen Welles and Sarah his wife. 
20 



ir,4 

Oct. 17. Jane, d. of William Kirkham and Sophia his wife. 

Dec. 5. Lucy Ann Sophronia, d. of Asaph Willard and Sophronia 

his wife. 
June 18, 1820. Mary, Henry, Harriet, Edwin Washington, Fanny, 

and Nancy, children of Henry Blaniiot and Harriet his wife. 
Aug. 6. Harriet, d. of Robert Rockwell and Harriet his wife. 
Aug. 20, Sabra Kilbourn, adult. 

" Elizabeth Kilbourn, adult. 
Sept. 24. Amanda, Emily, Nancy, Samuel Stnnley, and Silvester, 

children of vSilvesler Hurlburt and Nancy his wife. 
Oct. 4. Julia Norton, d. of Martin Welles and Frances his wife. 

The following persons were adults : 
May 6, 1821. Elisha Whaples, 1st. 

" Laura Willard, wife of Daniel Willard. 

" Eunice Hubbaid, wife of Dositheus Hubbard. 

" Sarah Dow, wife of Samuel Dow. 

" Nancy Drinkwater, wife of Thomas Drinkwaler. 

" Mary Deming, wife of Jedidiah Deming. 

" Fanny Hopkins, wife of Horace Hopkins 

'' Giles Smith. 

" Anson W^haples and Sarah his wife. 
May 6. William M'Cariy. 

" Sophia Luce, wife of Lfester Luce. 

" Harriet Hopkins, wife of Benjamin Hopkins. 

" Electa, wife of Roger Welles. 

" Aaron Tryon. 

" Zerah Preston. 

" Erastus Kilbourn. 

" John Cheney Dow. 

" Sarah Dow. 

" Huld,ah vSedgwick. 
July 1. Thomas Drinkwater. 

" Rebekah Tryon. 

" Henry Kilbourn. 
Aug. 5. James, s. of William Kirkham and Sophia his wife. 

" Charles Kellogg, s. of .losiali Atwood and Prudence hi.s wife. 
Aug. 10. Sarah and William Smith, children of William Deming 
and Sarah his wife. 

" Harriet Amanda, Nancy INIaria, and Horace Kilbourn, children 
of Thomas Drinkwater and Nancy his wife. 

" Cornelia, Mary Lusk, and Jedidiah, children of Jedidiah Dem- 
ing and Mary his wife. 

" Frances Norton, Edwin, and Charlotte Jemima, children of 
Roger Welles and Electa his wife. 

" Delia, d. of Benjamin Hopkins and Harriet his wife. 

" Henry, s. of Lester Luce and -Sophia his wife. 
Aug. 20. Susan Sophia, d. of Origen Wells and Sarah his wife. 
Sept. 2. Reuben Whaples, Harriet Hall, Erastus Lattimei', adults. 

" Rhoda, Daniel, Elizabeth, William Francis, children of Daniel 
Willard and Laura his wife. 



155 

Sept. 2. William, J^unice Maria, P^mily, Orrin, children of Dositheus 
Hubhard and Eunice his wife. 
" Samuel Russell, s. of Giles Smith and Lydia his wife. 
" Henry, Richard, Julia Ann, children of Aaron Tryon and 
Eebekah his wife. 
Sept. 30. Martha and William, children of William McCarty and 
Jerusha his wife. 
" Mary Ann, and Angeline Belden, children of Josiah W. Gris- 
wold and Mary Ann his wife. 
Oct. 21. Franklin Blin, s. of Henry Blannot and Harriet his wife. 
Nov. 4. Samuel Mills, s. of Martin Kellogg, jr., and Mary his wife. 
Mar. 31, 1822. Albert Francis, s. of Aaron Tryon and Rebekah his 

wife. 
May 5. Samuel Talmage, Lucinda Deming, Robey Williams, Jona- 
than Baitnn, Royal Serene, and Cornelia Hale, children of 
Archibald Hall and Harriet his wife. 
" Henry Benjamin, George Botsford, and Horace Root, children 

of Horace Ho[)kins and Fanny his wife. 
" Sarah Maria, and Walter, children of Anson Whaples and 

Sarah his wife. 
" Elizabeth Emery, d. of Robert Rockwell and Harriet his wife. 
June 2. Abigail, Catherine, William, Frances Griswold, and John 

Gaylord, children of William Wells and Catherine his wife. 
July 7. George Grannis, s. of Giles Smith and Lydia his wife. 
Aug. 11. Chester Wells, s. of William McCarty and Jerusha his 

wife. 
Dec. 29. Rufus, s. of Allen Stoddard and Mary his wife. 
April 18, 1823. Joshua, s. of Sylvester Hurlbut and Nancy his wife. 
Julj' 6. Elizalieth Cook, d. of William Kirkham and Sophia his wife. 
" Julia, d. of Roger Welles and Electa his wife. 
" Josiah Elbert, s. of Josiah Atwood and Prudence his wife. 
July 20. Henry James, s. of Henry Blannot and Harriet his wife. 
Aug. 17. Delia, Lemuel, Laura Kellogg, Hannah, children of Asaph 

Whittlesey and Laura his wife. 
May 23, 1824. Nathan Fenn, s. of Robert Rockwell and Harriet 

his wife. 
June 6. Lucy, d. of Orisen Wells and Sarah his wife. 

" Hapsebath, d. of Jedidiah Deming and Mary his wife. 
Aug. 29. John Whitman, s. of Joab Brace and Lucy his wife. 

" Julia, d. of Anson Whaples and Sarah his wife. 
Oct. 24. Thomas Robbins, s. of Josiah Atwood and Prudence his 
wife. 
'' Emily Eliza, d. of wid. Lydia Parker of New York. 
Nov. 21. Edwin Boardman, s. of J. W. Griswold and Mary Anne 

his wife. 
June 12, 1825. Levi Sedgwick, s. of Horace Wells and Pamela his 

wife. 
Sept, 4. Rollin Peck, s. of Horace Hopkins and Fanny his wife. 
Sept. 18. Samuel Newton, s. of Robert Rockwell and Harriet his 
wife. 



156 

Sept. 25. Martha Edwards, d. of Henry Blannot and Harriet his 

wife, per Mr. Robbins. 
Oct. 2. Charles, s. of Martin Kellogg, jr., .and Mary his wife. 

" Joseph Camp, s. of Edwin Gaylord and Lucy his wife. 
Oct. 2.3. Wyllis, s. of Benjamin Hopkins and Harriet his wife. 
May 7, 1826. Prudence Deming, Mary Ann Beckwilh, Mary Cole, 
adults. 

" Marilla, d. of Dositheus Hubbard and Eunice his wife. 
June 4. John Mitchelson, s. of Josiah Atwood and Prudence his 
wife. 

" Abigail, d. of Roger and Electa AVelles. 
Aug. 20. John Stoddard, s. of William and Sophia Kirkham. 

" Joshua Chauncey, s. of Lester and Sophia Luce. 
Dec. 6. Abigail, d. of Josiali AV. and Mary Ann Griswold. 
Jan. 7,- 1827. Anna Wells, adult. 
Feb. 11. Samuel, s. of John C. and Laura Dow. 
Mar. 27. Hapsebath, d. of Jedidiah Deming. 
May G. Mary Avaline, d. of Erastus and Salome Cunningham. 
May 27. Robert Raikes, s. of Robert and Harriet Rockwell. 
Aug. 19. Harriet Prudence, d. of Josiah and Prudence Atwood. 
Sep. 16. Harriet Eliza, d. of Henry and Huldah Kilbourn. 
Sep. 16. Mary Webb, d. of Erastus and Elmina Kilbourn. 
Oct. 7. Eunice Cordelia, d. of Erastus and .Seviah Lattimer. 
May 18, 1828. John Gaylord, s. of Hiram E. and Fanny Stoddard. 
May 25. John Belden, s. of Josiah W. and Mary Ann Griswold. 

" Lucy Lowrey, d. of Unni and Sarah Robbins. 
June 22. James Butler, s. of James and Anna Blinn. 
Aug. 10. Nancy Angeline, d. of Elisba and Amanda Whaples. 
Oct. 19. Julia, d. of Chester and Lucretia Churchill.^ 
Mar. 16, 1829. Horace, s. of Erastus and Elmina Kilbourn. 
May 3. Dorothy Stoddard, adult. 

" Eleanor Celia Wells, adult. 
May 17. Sophia Leifiugvvell, d. of William and Sophia Kirkham. 
May 24. Henry Sedgwick, s. of Henry and Huldah Kilbourn. 
June 21. Sarah Welles, d. of Martin and Mary Kellogg. 
•July 12. Roger, s. of Roger and Electa Welle*. 
Sept. 13. Joseph, s. of Robert and Harriet Rockwell. 
Oct. 25. Lucy Lowrey, d. of Unni and Sarah Robbins. 
June 13, 1830. Mary Kellogg, d. of Josi.ah and Prudence Atwood. 

" Heman Francis, s. of Hiram E. and Fanny Stoddard. 
June 20. Lemuel Whittlesey, s. of Homer and Delia Camp. 

•' Eunice, d. of Anson and Sarah Whaples. 
June 27. Jane Eliza, d. of Josiah W. and Mary Ann Griswold. 
July 19. Joseph, s. of Samuel and Rhoda Clark. 
Aug. 8. Jane Aurelia, d. of Erastus and Seviah Lattimer. 
Aug. 13. John Churchill, s. of John Dow. 
Sept. 5. Loretta, d. of Erastus and Elmina Kilbourn. 
May 1, 1831. Lucretia, wife of Chester Churchill. 
May 15. Abigail Jane, d. of Henry and Huldah Kilbourn. 
July 24. Sarah Jane, d. of Robert and Harriet Rockwell. 



157 

Jan. 1, 1832. Aujjustus Wilson, Henry G. Tucker, Electa Hiizzard, 

Amanda A. Whaples, .Julia A. Stoddard, adults. 
May 6. Lot Beckwith, Hannah Hunter, adults. 

■' William, s. of William and Sophia Kirkham. 
May 13. Delia Ann. d. of James and Anna Blinn. 
May 27. William Sherman, s. of William and Charity P. Clark. 

" Erastus, s. of Erastus and Elmina Kilbourn. 
June 10. Julia Norton, d. of Josiah and Prudence Atwood. 

" Laura Kellogg, d. of Homer and Delia Camp. 
July 15. Francis, s. of Chester and Lucretia Churchill. 
July 29. Mary Urania and Martha Eunice, ds. of Anson and Sarah 

Whaples. 
Oct. 7. Warren Day, s. of Elisha and Amanda Whaples. 
Nov. 4. Sarah Theodotia, d. of Unni and Sarah Robbins. 
Dec. 30. Samuel, s. of Henry and Huldah Kilbnuin. 
June 23, 1833. Electa Stanley, d. of Roger and Electa Welles. 
May 4, 1834. Josiah Atwood, adult. 
June 8. Timothy Woodford, s. of Henry and Huldah Kilbourn. 

" Lemuel Franklin, s. of William and Charity P. Clark. 
June lo. Elisha Burrit, s. of Elii>ha and Esther Blinn. 

" Henry Edwin, s. of James and Anna Blinn. 
Aug. 3. Laura Churchill, d. of John C. and Martha Dow. 
Aug. 10. Abigail Whaples, d. of Robert and Harriet Rockwell. 
Sept. 21. Mary Jane, d. of Hiram E. and Fanny Stoddard. 
Nov. 2. Charles Clinton, s. of Erastus and Seviah Lattimer. 
Aug. 2, 1835. Chauncey Wright, s. of James and Anna Blinn. 

" Franklin, s. of Elisha and Esther Blinn. 
Sept. 27. John Wallace, s. of Anson and Sarah Whaples. 

" Timothy Woodford, s. of Henry Kilbourn. 
Oct. 11. Caroline AtmH, d. of Homer and Delia Camp. 
Oct. 18. Mary, d. of LTnni and Sarah Robbins. 
July 31, 1836. Martha Urania, d. of .John C. and Martha Dow. 
Aug. 14. Agnes Whitile>ey, d. of Joshua and Agnes Belden. 
Oct. 2. Elizabeth, d. of R'^v. S. N., and Martha B. Shepard. 
Oct. 9. Sarah Denman, d. of Rev. John and Mary S. B. Todd. 
Aug. 27, 1837. Alraira Day, d. of Henry and Emeline G. Kilbourn. 

" Chauncey Mason, s. of Erastus and Elmira Kilbourn. 

" Esther Amelia, d. of Elisha and Esther Blinn. 
Oct. 8. Mary, d. of Chester and Lucretia Churchill. 
Oct. 22. Hiram Hudson, s of Hiram E. and Fanny Stoddard. 
Nov. 19. Emily Sophia, d. of Lowrey and Emily Robbins. 
May 6, 1838. Unni Robbins, Hannah Kelsey, Minerva C. Rodgers, 

and Mary Wells, adults. 
July 1. Elisha Blinn, Sophronia Tucker, Mary Tucker, Eliza Jane 

Davis, Julia Ann Lucretia Davis, Mary Seymour, adults. 
Sept. 9. Nancy, d. of Erastus and Eknina Kilbourn. 
Sept. 30. Mary Abilene, d. of John C. and Martha Dow. 
Oct. 21. Richard, s. of William and Sophia Kirkham. 
Nov. 4. Mary Blinn, adult. 
Nov. 11. Daniel Dwight, s. of Daniel H. and Maria S. D. Willard. 



158 

Feb. 17, 1839. Emeline Elizabeth, d. of Henry and Emeline G. 

Kilbonrn. 
Oct. 27. Kanny Eliza, d. of Hiram E. and Fanny F. Stoddard. 

" Henry Martin, s. of Unni and Saiah D. Robbins. 
Feb. 1, 1840. Infant of Eraslus and Elmina Kilbourn. 
Feb. 9. ]\Iary Elizabeth, d. of John M. and Mary E. H. Belden. 
April 4. Ellen, d. of William and Sophia Kirkham. 
Sept. 20. Shubael Hart, s. of Elisha and Amanda A. Whaples. 
Feb. 11, 1841. Walter Lowrey, s. of Lowrey and Emily Robbins. 
Mar. 28. Samuel llait, s. of Henry and Emeline G. Kilbourn. 
May 2. Chauneey Demmg, adult. 

June 20. Charles Levi, s. of Daniel H. and Maria S. D. Willard. 
June 27. Mary, d. of Stephen and Sophronia Saunders. 
May 22, 1842. John Davis, s. of .Tames and Eliza I. D. Griswold. 
May 31. Lucy Fiances, d. of James and Anna Blinn. 
July 24. Mary Jane, d. of Elisha and Pother Blinn. 
Aug. 28. Henry Willis, s. of Willis P. and Mary T. Davis. 
Sept. 11. John Newton, s. of Erastus and Elmina Kilbourn. 
April 30, 1843. Sarah Adaline, d. of John F. and Mary A. W. 

Willard. 
June 4. Lucretia Davis, James Blinn, Henry and Martha Deming. 

Wyllis Philander Davis, Hannah Maria Luce, Charles Stoddard, 

Andrew Jackson, Julia Pierce, Carlos Huntley, George Thomas 

Davis, adults. 
July 16. Agnes Whittlesey, d. of John M. and Mary E. H. Belden. 

•' Burdett Eugene, s. of Daniel II. and Maiia S. D. Willard. 
Aug. 20. Marcus Lent, s. of Henry and Emeline G. Kilbourn. 
Oct. 15. Julia Newell, d. of Lowrey and Emily Robbins. 
Nov. 19. George Scranton, s. of Levi S. and Caroline S. Deming. 
Nov. 10, 1844. Levi Welles, s. of Elisha and Esther Blinn. 
June 8, 1845. .Joseph and Lydia Francis, children of .Joseph Camp. 
July 20. Cornelia Hale, d. of John M. and Mai-y E. H. Belden. 
Mar. 15, 1846. Stephen Dwight, s. of Stephen P. and Maria H. 

Lamberton. 
April 27. Child of Rev. Mr. Keeler. 
July 19. Frances Arabella, d. of Lowrey and Emily Robbins. 

" Newell Foote, s. of Chauncey Deming. 
Aug. 23. De Forest, s. of Daniel II. and Sarah M. D. Willard. 

" Edward Levi, s. of Levi S. and Caroline S. Deming. 
Aug. 30. Eugene Franklin, s. of Willis 1^. and Mary T. Davis. 
Nov. 15. John Newel, s. of John C. and Martha Dow. 
July 4, 1847. Agnes Whittlesey, d. of John M. and Mary E. H. 

Belden. 
Oct. 3. John Franklin, s. of Stephen P. and Maria H. Lamberton. 
Oct. 10. Harriet Lavinia, d. of Elisha and Esther Blinn. 

" William Albert, s. of William and Margaret T. Hubbard. 
Oct. 29, 1848. Mary Deming, d. of William and Cornelia Wells. 
Nov. 19. Mary Ellen, d. of Willis P. and ]\Iary T. Davis. 
Dec. 17. Clarence Henry, s. of Samuel N. and Eliza H. Rockwell. 



159 

Mar. 11, 1849. Henry Marius, s. of Henry and Ilininah Maria 

Luce. 
April 1. Joshua, s. of John M. and Mary E. H. Belden. 
May 27. Jane Electa, d. of Hemau A. and Eunice C. Whittlesey. 
July 22. David Lowrey, s. of Lowrey and Emily Rnbbins. 
July 29. Elbert Edwards and Ellen Eunice, children of Eraslus 

and Ehiiina Kilbourn. 
Jan. 13, 1850. Thomas Wilson, s. of Hugh Davies and wife. 
Mar. 24. Edward Merton, s. of William F. and France^ G. Willard. 
Sept. 1. Catharine Griswold, d. of William and Cornelia Wells. 
Oct. 31. Lewis Stephen, s. of William and Margaret T. Hubbard. 
June 29, 1851. Martha Elizabeth, d. of Willis P. and Mary T. 

Davis. 
Dec. 14. William, s. of Hugh and Margaret Davies. 
Sept. V2, 1852. Caroline Elizabeth, d. of Levi S. and Caroline 

Deming. 
" Abbot, s. of William F. and Frances G. Willard. 
'• William Gaylord, s. of William and Cornelia Well^. 
May 29, 1853. Ellen Amanda, d. of Jedidiah W. and Nancy A. 

Deming. 
June 5. Julia, d. of John M. and Mary E. H. Belden. 
June 5. John Wilson, s, of Hugh and Blargarette Davies. 
Nov. 12. Laura Levvella, d. of John C. and Mariha Dow. 
May 21, 1854. Mary, d. of John D. and Abigail W. Seymour. 

" Fanny Augusta, d. of Edwin and Lucy L. R. Welles. 
June 18. Cornelia Lucretia, d. of Wyllis P. and Mary T. Davis. 
July 9. Frederick Wayland, s of Elisha and Esther Blinn. 
Sept. 24. John Hammond, s. of Roger and Harriet Mills. 
Oct. 22. Cornelia Augusta, d. of William and Cornelia Wells. 
Dec. 31. Marcus Lewis, s. of Marcus W. and Frances S. Stoddard.* 
Jan. 17, 1855. Elizabeth Caroline, d. of William Nuah Turner and 

Jane McElrath. 
June 24. Rebecca Smalley, d. of Rev. J. S. and E G. Whittlesey. 
" Eunice Cornelia, d. of Heman A. and E. C. Whittlesey. 
" Marshall Allen, s. of Rufus and S. W. Stoddard. 
" Edward Laurens, s. of G. T. and M. A. Davis. 
Nov. 4. Samuel Chauncey Dix, Henry Elbert Lovelund, Cyrijs 

Francis, Jane Margaret Finnegan, Mary Elisabeth Brown, Julia 

Maria Cady, Valina Ann Francis, Delia Richards, Mary Ann 

Richards, Eliza Kilbourn Richards, adults. 
Mar. 2, 1856. Franklin Carroll Lattimer and Thomas Russell 

Byines, adults. 
May 11. Mary Elisabeth, Dwight Nelson, Ella Harriet, and Sarah 

Adaletta, children of the late Nelson Dillings and Harriet his 

wife. 
July 6. Celinda Clarissa Wiers, adult. 
Oct. 5. Roger Welles, s. of John D. and Abigail Seymour. 

* The last entry by Dr. Brace. 



160 



HI. 

MARRIAGES. 



Jmi. 20, 1805. Arthur Andrus, s. of Elizur AnJrus, and Mary 

Iiijirahain, both of Wethersfield. 
April 15. Daniel Webster, s. of Amos A. Webster, and Anne 

Andrus, d of Elizur Andrus. 
April 22. Elisha Stoddard and Beulah Wells. 
May 9. Erastus Seymour and Clara Wells. 
May 12. Lyman Brown and Sarali Tryon. 
Sept. 5. Abel Pentield and Sally Richards. 
Sept. 12. Simeon Stoddard and Lucy Kellogg. 
Sept. 18. Asaph Whittlesey and Laura Kellogg. 
Nov. 18. Appleton Francis and Charlotte Webster. 
Jan. 21, 180U. Samuel S. Goodrich and Lina Kelsey. 
Feb. 16. John A. Phillips and Honor Blinn. 
Feb. 26. William Deming and Sally Smith. 
May 24. Gilbert Chajjman and Sabra Winchel. 
June 8. Stephen Webster and Hannah Kilbourn. 
June 17. John Dow and Lucy Andrus. 
July 23. Klisha H. Street and Patty Latimer. 
Aug. 12. David Hunn and Abigail Higley. 
Aug. 17. Archibald Hall and Harriet Deraing. 
Nov. 1 8. Lester Hunn and Caty Goodrich. 
April 28, 1807. Daniel Willard and Laura Francis. 
May 13. Jacob Bates, jr., and Mary Robbius. 
June 18. Joseph D. Kinyon and Sabra Howard. 
July 2. Thomas S. Curtis and Lois Blinn. 
Aug. 9. Charles Olcott and Sarah Churchill. 
Nov. 3. Amos A. Webster and Mary Rice. 

•' 12. Henry Fox and Zilpah Brown. 
Jan. 6, 1808. Epaphras Andrus and Abigail Wells. 
Mar. 29. Horace Goodwin and Lydia Andrews. 
June 23. Sylvester Hurlburt and Nancy Stanley of Berlin. 

" " John Pine and Harriet Wetherby of Rocky Hill. 
Aug. 30. Josiah Huntington and Rachel Hinsdale of West Hartford. 
Sept. 26. Martin Kellogg, jr., and Mary Welles. 
Oct. 24. Luman Woodruff and Laura Holmes. 
Jan. 4,1809. Elizur Deming, jr., and Sally Goodrich. 
April 5. Thomas Clark and Alma Wells. 
June 5. James Phillips and Persis Hopkins. 
July 30. Levi Hurlburt and Lois Johnson. 
Aug. 20. Emmonds Rudge and Lucy Squire. 
Sept. 3. Barzillai Deming and Fanny Barns. 

*• 23. Abijah Porter and Betsey Wilco.K of Worthington. 

" 24. Benjamin Pettis and Anna Nott of Worthington. 
May 2, 1.810. Henry Blannot and Harriet Blinn. 

" 9. Chauncey North and Abigail Griswold. 
Oct. 15. Samuel T. Mills and Harriet M. Belden. 

•' 17. Thotnas Drink water and Nancy Kilbourn. 



161 

Nov. 13. Nathan W. Hale and Jemima Kellogg. 

Jan. 24, 1811. Rice Cari-ington and Abigail Fox. 

Mar. 5. Abel Matson of Glastonbury, and Mabel Holmes of Weth- 
erstield. 

May 1 2. William Wells and Catherine Griswold of Wethersfield. 

June 23. George Coleman and Prudence May Warner of Wethers- 
field. 

Sept. 9. John Churchill and Laura Wells of Wethersfield. 

" " Elijah Howard of Greenfield, and Sarah Hurlburt of 

Wethersfield. 
" 29. Ebenezer P.' Owen and Sally Blinn of Wethersfield. 

Nov. 28. Leonard Webster and Alma Rockwell of Wethersfield. 

Jau. 12, 1812. Ebenezer Gillet of Lebanon, and Rocsey Rhodes of 
Wethersfield. 
" 14. John Dodge of North Marlboro, and Lucy Langdon of 
Danbury. 

Feb. 17. Wait Griswold and Elizabeth Blinn of Wethersfield. 
" 27. William Dunham and Nancy Peck of Kensington. 

Mar. 9. Warner Dunham of Berlin, and Mary Andrews of Weth- 
ersfield. 
" 10. Amos Andrus and Mille Wells of Wethersfield. 

May 26. Allen Stoddard and Mary Wells of Wethersfield. 

June 3. Andrew Brown and Elizabeth Holmes of Wethersfield. 

Sept. 10. William McCarter and Jerusha Fox of Wethersfield. 

Oct. 27. Gideon Gates of Derby, and Lucy Blinn of Wethersfield. 

Mar. 16, 1813. Edwin Gaylord of West Hartford, and Lucy Camp 
of Wethersfield. 

Oct. 19. Benoni Hubbard of Windsor, and Abigail Francis of 
Wethersfield. 

Jan. 24, 1814. Solomon Churchill and Chloe Deming of Wethers- 
field. 

May 29. Jeremiah Colton of Long Meadow, and Lucy Lusk of 
Wethersfield. 

Sept. 18. Anson Francis of Wethersfield, and Almira Owen of 
AshfoiKl. 

Oct. 1 9. Joshua Andrus of Wethersfield^ and Prudence Camp of 
Hartford. 

Jan. 17, 1815. Asaph Willard of East Windsor, and Sophronia 
Wells of Wethersfield. 
" 29. Jedidiah Deming and Mary Lusk of Wethersfield. 

Mar. 12. Oliver Talcott and Mary Bliun of Wethersfield. 

" 23. Henry Fuller of Colchester, and Chloe Webster of Weth- 
ersfield. 

April 1 6. Roger Welles and Electa Stanley of Wethersfield. 

May 7. Abijah Hubbard of Middletown, and Hannah Brown of 
Wethersfield. 

Oct. 19. George Wells of Wethersfield, and Prudence Deming of 
West Hartlbrd. 

Feb. 4, 1816. Oliver Wells and Abigail Warner of Wethersfield. 

21 



162 

Feb. 22. Horace Porter and Mabel Webster of Wetliersfield. 
" 29. Charles Stedman of Farmington, and Elizabeth Kellogg 
of Wethersfield. 
Mar. 17. Benjamin Hopkins and Harriet Lusk of Weiher.*field. 
Sept. 16. William Ellis of Berlin, and Lydia AVebster of Wethers- 
field. 
" 29. Thompson Kasson of Broad-Alban, and Mary Warner of 
Wethersfield. 
Nov. 20. Grandison Barber of Windsor, and Laura Francis of 
Wethersfield. 
" 27. .Tames Churchill of Wethersfield; and Clarissa Steele of 
Berlin. 
Jan. 16, 1817. Hubbard Wescott and Nancy Hooper of Welhers- 

field. 
Nov. 25. Lester Luce of Tolland, and Sophia Lattimer of AVeth- 

ersfield. 
June 7, 1818. Heman Whittlesey of Stockbridge, and Electa Kel- 

lojrg of Wethersfield. 
Aug. 25. Alfred Francis and Nancy Deming of Wethersfield. 
Oct. 14. Jonathan Stoddard and Dorothy Brown of Wethersfield. 

" " Anson Whaples and Sally Kilbourn of Wethersfield. 
Nov. 22. Abram Hills of Berlin, and Lydia Brown of Wethersfield. 
" 26. Roljert Rockwell and Harriet Whaples of Wethersfield. 
" " Robert Booth of Berlin, and Sally AVhaples of Wethers- 
field. 
l>ec. 31. David Crocker and Nancy Warner of Wethersfield. 
Feb. 3,1819. Chester Soper of Winchester, and Charlotte Welles 

of Wethersfield. 
Mar. 15. James Andrews of Burlington, and Lydia Wells of Weth- 
ersfield. 
June 10. Allen Judd of Berlin, and Harriet E. Johnson of Weth- 
ersfield. 
" 10. Justus Griswold and Jennette Kirkhara of Wethersfield. 
" 13. Normon Beckley of Berlin, and Mary Evans of Weth- 
ersfield. 
Oct. 18. Josiah Atwood of Hartford, and Prudence Kellogg of 
Wethersfield. 

" 27. Ralph Wells and Julia Roberts of Wethersfield. 

Feb. 16, 1820. Noadiah Bosworth of Westfield, and Anne Wells 

of Wethersfield. 
April 13. Hiram Goodrich and Susan Crocker of Wethersfield. 
" 23. Noah Tryon of Berlin, and Lucinda Westcott of Weth- 
ersfield. 
Jan. 9, 1821. George Tucker and Sophronia Blinn of Wethers- 
field. 
" 21. Beriah Green of Pawlef, Vt., and Maria Deming of 
Middlebury, Vt. 
Feb. 11. Jeremiah House of Glasteubury, and Fanny Blinn of 
Wethersfield. 



163 

April 3. Seth Woodruff of Suffield, and Lois Hurlburt of Weth- 
ersfield. 

Sept. 13. William M'Clintick of Palmer, Mass., and Huldah Case 
of Wetlierstield. 

Oct. 8. William Barns of Lee, and Sarah Holmes of Wethers- 
field. 
" 25. Alanson Colton and Lucy Deming of Wethersfield. 

Dec. 20. Jason Stevens of Glasteubnry, aud Fanny Whaples of 
Wethersfield. 

IMay 9, 1822. Jeremiah Ward and Abigail Hurlburt of Wethers- 
field. 

June 23. Douglass Woodworth of New London, and Almira War- 
ner of Wethersfield. 

Sept. 3. Benjamin Whaples of Wethersfield, and Climena Sander- 
son of Blandford. 

Nov. 21. Cyrus Webster and Cynthia Churchill of Wethersfield. 

June 23, 1823. Cyrus Francis and Sahara Blinn of Wethersfield. 

Nov. 27. William Blinn and Sally Blinn of Wethersfield. 

" 25, 1824. Hiram Kilbourn and Mary Crocker of Wethers- 
field. 

Dee. 9. Erastus Lattimer of Wethersfield, and Seviah Webster of 
Worthiugton. 

April 3, 1825. Andrew Roulston aud Eunice Skinner of Wethers- 
field. 

May 5. Lyman Booth and Keziah Andrews of Berlin. 

July 10. Joseph Mather of Berlin, and Hannah Sage of Wethers- 
field. 
" 17. Erastus Francis and Bertha B. Stoddard of Wethersfield. 
" 25. Edward Howard of Leyden, and Candace Stoddard of 
Wethersfield. 

Aug. 7. William H. Smith and Marcia North of Berlin. 

" 1(3. Thomas Wells of Tolland, and Nancy Seymour of Weth- 

field. 
" 23. John C. Dow and Laura Churchill of Wethersfield. 

Nov. 24. Charles Clark and Elizabeth Beckley. 

Mar. 6, 1826. Michael Applebee of Middletown, and Abigail 
Whaples of Wethersfield. 
" 7. Henry Kilboum-and Huldah Sedgwick of Wethersfield. 

Sept. 3. Stephen Hazzard of Berlin, and Electa Landers of Weth- 
ersfield. 

Mar. 11, 1827. Rev. John Todd of Groton, Mass., and Mary S. 
Brace of Wethersfield. 
" 29. Amasa S. Fanning of Lebanon, and Lucinda Sage of 
Wethersfield. 

April 29. Lewis Goodrich of Wethersfield, and Violetia Case of 
Simsbury. 

May 1 6. Stephen Tando and Betsey Squires of Wethersfield. 

Nov. 1. Merit Baldwin of New Hartford, and Rhoda Wells of 
Wethersfield. 
" 29. Philip Camp and Mary Green of Wethersfield. 



164 

Feb. 26, 1828. .James Nortli sen., and Alii Frances of New Britain. 

April 9. Jumes Blian Wliaples and Robey Williams Hall of Welh- 
ersfield. 

July 3. Dennis Sweet of Farmington, and Caroline Hart of Ber- 
lin. 

Aug. 18. Winthrop Cinnamon of Hartford, and Eliz.ibcth Green of 
Wethersfield. 
" 27. Samuel Dix and Elizabeth Kilbourn of Wethersfield. 

Nov. 19. Homer Camp of Washington, and Delia Whittlesey of 
Wethersfield. 
" 27. Hervey Francis and Abigail Kilbourn of Wethersfield. 

Dec. 11. Chester Griswold and Nancy Blinn of Wetliersfield. 

Feb. 1, 1829. Samuel T. Hall of Wethersfield, and Harriet Hart 
of Berlin. 

Mar. 2. Horatio Recor and Elizabeth Kilbj' of New Britain. 

April 13. Henry I. Braman of Newport, and Melinda M. Curtis of 
Wethersfield. 

Jan. 11, 1830. Solomon Wadsworth of Ea*t Hartford, and Sarah 
Dow of Wether-field. 
" 13. Heraan Seymour of Hartford, and Eleanor C. Wells of 
Wethersfield. 

April 8. Absalom AVells and Mary Deming of Wethersfield. 

Oct. 7. Oliver Richards, jr., and Mary Kilbourn of Wethersfield. 

Dec. 29. Peter Ferrows of Westfield, and Caroline Fox of Weth- 
ersfield. 

Feb. 2, 1831. Thomas Lee of Berlin, and Laura Whittlesey of 
Wethersfield. 

Mar. 31. Orange C. Butler of Hartford, and Mary Francis of 
Wether.-field. 

May 8. Jason Porter of East Hartford, and Abigail Blin of Weth- 
ersfield. 

Oct. 27. William Dee and Lucy Green of Wethersfield. 

Nov. 2. Andrew Abernethy of New Hartford, and Sarah Beckley 
of Wethersfield. 
" 23. .lames Hurlbut and Harriet Deming of Wethersfield. 

Dec. 7. Araon Judd of Berlin, and Julia A. Austin of Wethers- 
field. 

Feb. 12, 1832. Luther Dart and Mary Clapp of Wethersfield. 

April 20. Isaac Bosworth of Buffalo, and Martha A. Clark of 
Wethersfield. 

Aug. 28. Rev. Samuel N. Shepard of Madison, and Martha Brace. 

Oct. 7. John Kent, jr., and Sarah W. llotchkiss of Berlin. 
" 10. John C. Dow and Martha McCarter. 

Jan. 14, 1833. Jesse Collins and Elizabeth Amelia Jackson of 
Winchester. 
" " John Hanmer and Hannah B. Churchill of Wethersfield. 
" 23. Jo.seph Camp and Lydia Francis of Wethersfield. 

April 3. Alvah Dillings and Sarah Griswold of Wetlier.-.lleld. 

May 19. Levi North, jr., of Berlin, and Ann Taylor of Wethers- 
field. 



165 

June 12. Chester Faxon of West Hartford, and Sarah Deming of 
Wethersfield. 

Nov. 6. Elisha Whaples of Wethersfield, and Susanna Thomas of 
Avon. 

Dec. 31. Lorin Cooley of Granville, Mass., and Laura Blinu of 
Berlin. 

April -2, 1834. " William Hubbard of Wethersfield, and Martha 
Hurlbut of Berlin. 

May 21. Jedidiah Darning and Anna Wells of Wethersfield. 

July 10. Henry Whaples and Hannah Brown. 

Sept. 2. Sidney Curtiss of Auburn, N. Y., and Lucinda D. Hall of 
Wethersfield. 
" 30. Stephen P. Lamberton of Simsbury, and Marin E. Hub- 
bard. 

Jan. 13, 1835. Justus Griswold and Abigail H. Stoddard of Weth- 
ersfield. 

Nov. 26. Homer Curtis of Meriden, and Julia Ann Upson of Ber- 
lin. 

Jan. 17, 1836. Jarvis Dorau of New York, and Selina Southworth 
of Berlin. 

Feb. 17. John F. Willard of Wethersfield, and Mary A. Wells 

Mar. 17. Hezekiah Griswold, jr., and Frances N. Welles of Weth- 
ersfield. 

May 6. William Roberts and Sarah Ann Chapman of Wethers- 
field. 

July 10. Nelson Allen and Lucy Ann Brown of Berlin. 

Sept. 11. (At Chatham,) Horace Deming of (ilastenbury, and 
Phebe Scofell of East Haddam, both residents of Chatham. 

Oct. 25. Norris Slater of Berlin, and Maria D. Hamlin of Farm- 
ington. 

Nov. 24. Jesse Holister of Glastenbury, and Lucy M. Rugg of 
Berlin. 

Dec. U>. Henry Deming of Wethersfield, and Martha Avery of 
Berlin. 

May 9, 1837. Daniel H. Willard and Sarah M. Deming of Weth- 
ersfield. 

Sept. 24. Erastus Deming and Laura Weeks of Wethersfield. 

Feb. 21, 1838. Milo Doty of Hartford, and Catherine Wells. 

Mar. 31. William B. Booth and Betsey Blinn of Berlin. 

May 12. Purmont P. Bradford of Haddam, and Nancy Blinn of 
Berlin. 

April 21, 1840. James B. Griswold and Eliza L Davis. 

May 28. John L. Apgar of Newark, N. J., and Mary Sophia Stod- 
dard. 

Oct. 6. Willis P. Davis and Mary Tucker. 

Dec. 2. Albert S. Hunn and Minerva C. Rogers. 

April 27, 1841. Joseph L. Shepard of Westfield, and Emily Hub- 
bard. 

July 4. Leander Smith and Caroline Huntley of Ellington. 



166 

Oct. -20. Nelson Dillings of Weathersfielc), Vt., and Harriet Rock- 
well. 
Dec. 2.'5. Baldwin Hart of Madison, and Charlotte J. Welles. 

" 3l). Urbiu K. Sanford and Jane Hollow of Wethersfield. 
Jan. 2, 1842. Charles K. Stedman of Meriden, and Sarah C. 

Guylord of Wethersfield. 
Mar. •2'J. William F. Willard and Frances G. Wells. 
May 10. Dumont Carey of Berlin, and Delia Hopkins. 
June 3. Jonathan T. Hart and Maria VVoodriifi' of New Britain. 
Sept. 4. Daniel Whaples and Sophronia Gladding. 
Oct. 26. Robert 0. Joyner of Egremont, Mass., and Sarah C. Wells. 
May 21, 1843. John N. Mather of New Britain, and Martha Mor- 
gan. 
June 21. Edward M. Knight and Ann M. Selden of West Hartford. 
" 22. Daniel M. Wolcott of Wethersfield, N. Y., and Lucinda 

G. Wells. 
Aug. 22. Henry Olmsted of East Hartford, and Julia T. Welles. 
Jan. 16, 1844. Channcey Deraing and Cornelia Foot. 
May 8. William Dee and Harriet Smart. 

Nov. 16, 1845. Lowrey Goodrich of Berlin, and Sarah Maria Blinn. 
Jan. 1, 1846. William B. Booth of Ne.w Britain, and Maria A. 

Keach of Wethersfield. 
" 18. Dunham E. Calkins and Maria A. Calkins. 
April 9. Martin Brown and Elizabeth C. Kirkham. 
Sept. 3. William Wells and Cornelia Demiug. 

" 9. Eli I. Smith of Tollaiid, and Mary Seymour. 
Nov. 18. Jedidiah Deming, jr., and Nancy A. Whaples. 
Jan. 6, 1847. John To[)liff" of Westtield, and Sophronia Saunders. 

" 21. Heman A. Whittlesey and Eunice C. Latlimer. 
Mar. 17. Samuel N. Rockwell and Harriet E. Kilbourn. 
April 8. Reuben Beckley of Berlin, and Elizabeth Tucker. 

" 20. Samuel K. Camp of Farmington, and Mary Kellogg. 
May 12. Ephraim Nelson of North Adams, and Roxana Tuttle of 

West Hartford. 
Aug. 19. Samuel Brace of Newington, and Sarah R. North of New 

Britain 
Nov. 15, 1848. Horace Bidwell, jr., of Manchester, and Abigail I. 

Kilbourn. 
Mar. 21, 1849. William D. Wilcox of Rocky Hill, and Matilda 

Saunders. 
" 25. Nelson Peters of Wilbraham, Mass., and Laura A. Camp. 
July 22, 1850. Francis Shaw of Union Village, N. Y., and Sarah 

E. Fairfield. 
Oct. 23. William B. Clark and Frances M. Culver. 
Nov. 17. Nelson Sperry of Newington, and Mary Griswold of 

Bloomfield. 
Jan. 5, 1851. Woodbridge Gilbert of New York City, and Mary 

Richards. 
July 3. Thomas W. Keach of AVethersfield, and EHzabeth H. 

Bidwell of Hartford. 



167 

Sept. 17. William I. Thomas of Quincy, Mass., and Mary Williams. 
Feb. 1, 1852. Otis Huntley of Newington, and Maria Wolcb of 
Jersey City. 
" 22. James Johnson of Albany, and Nancy Whaples. 
May 3. Chester C. Webster and Marilla Richards. 

" 19. Geo. W. Catlin of Harwinton, ami ISIarilla Hubbard. 

" " Thomas B. Briggs of Mayfield, N. Y., and Elizabeth 

Wells. 
" 20. Jason Wright of Wethersfield, and Eliza Philips of Hart- 
ford. 
Nov. 25. John D. Seymour and Abigail Welles. 
Dec. 30. Erastus Francis and Cornelia Stoddard. 
Jan. 16, 1853. Edwin Welles and Lucy L. Bobbins. 
Mar. 27. Ely Franklin and Cornelia Lantmon. 
May 25. Jonathan B. Gillette of Bleriden, and Lydia M. Brown. 
Dec. 14. Charles Stoddard and Hapsebah Deming. 
Jan. 1, 1854. John S. Watrous of East Haddam, and Harriet A. 
Hurlburt of Wethersfield. 
" 22. Edward Tando and Mary Ann Matthews. 
Sept. 19. Samuel K. Camp of N. Y., and Sarah W. Kellogg. 
Nov. 1. Pasclial Withey of New Haven, and Lucy Wells. 
Dec. 24. Benjamin Benslead and Eliza McNeil. 
Mar. 14. Nelsoa P. Woodruff of North Carolina, and Sarah T. 
Robbins. 



IV. 



DEATHS OR FUNERALS. 

Nov. 23, 1804. Florella, child of Josiah Griswold, aged 8 years 

" Hepzibah Weaver, aged 67. 

" Child of Dan . 

" Child of James Stedraan, aged 3. 

Dec. 22. Robert, child of Josiah Griswold, aged 2. 
Mar. 14, 1805. Benajah Taylor, very suddenly, aged 75. 

" 20. Lydia Churchill, aged 80. 
May 30. Lois, wife of Fitch Andrus, very suddenly, aged 43. 
June 17. Olive Lattimer, very suddenly, aged 29. 

" 21. Enos Hunn, after long sickness, aged 61. 
Aug. 18. Sarah Blinn, aged 79. 
Jan. 4, 1806. David Russel, aged 80. 

" 7. Benjamin Atkins, aged 87. 
Feb. 15. Infant child of Oswell Hunter, aged 5 weeks. 

" 25. Child of Olive Fox, aged 3. 
April 10. Child of James Stedman, aged 6 weeks. 

" 21. Stephen Kellogg, aged 48. 
May • 8. Sarah Hurlbui't, wife of Eli Hurlburt, aged 40. 
June 24. Candaee, wife of Jonathan Stoddard, aged 55. 
Feb. 14, 1807. Infant child of Asaph Whittlesey. 

" 22. Hannah Willard, aged 58. 
July 1. William N. Wolcott, aged 35. 



168 

Dec. 18. Mary Goodrich, aged about 80. 

Jan. 1, 1808. Child of Dan Camp, aged 8. 

April 21. Asher At wood, aged 77. 

May 1 2. Aliipail, wife of Josiah Griswold, aged 44. 

" 18. Martha, wife of Levi Hurlhurt, aged 63. 

" 18. Benjamin Stoddard, aged 65. 

June 6. Joshua Belden, jr., aged 40. 

" 10. Oledine Andrus, at Long Meadow, aged 34. 

" 24. Mary Taylor, aged 74. 

Aug. 25. James Blinn, ajed 78. 

Sept. 1 6. Child of Euos Deniing. 

Jan. 18, 1809. John Squire, jr., aged 38. 

Feb. 8. Child of John Squire, aged 2. 

April 8. Silvy Deming, aged 51. 

Dec. 22. Samuel Deming, aged 70. 

Jan. 2, 1810. Sylvester Warner, s. of Elijah Warner, aged 3. 

Mar. 4. Elisha Andrus, aged 50. 

" 28. Mercy Westcott, wife of Samuel Westcott. 

April 3. Hannah, wife of Lemuel Whittlesey, aged 68. 

" 7. Ashbel Seymour, jr., aged 32. 

June 17. Uiini Robbins, aged 68. 

" 19. Benjamin Hopkins, aged 58. 

Aug. 25. Two infants of Origen Wells. 

Sept. 2. Olive, wife of Asa Fox, aged 50. 

Oct. 11. Child of Daniel Willard, jr., aged 14 months. 

Feb. 20, 1811. Infant of Thomas Deming. 

Mar. 13. Capt. Jonathan Stoddard, aged 74. 

April 1 2. Infant of Thomas Drinkwatei'. 

" 16. Eli Andrews, aged 75. 

" 17. Infant of Uzziel Latimer. 

May 15. Abel Andrews-, aged 76. 

'• 25. Elijah Wells, aged 67. 

July 2. Elizabeth, wife of Abuer Roberts, aged 29. 

Nov. 21. Lucretia, wife ol Solomon Churchill, aged 47. 

" 26. Sarah Kellogg, widow of S. Kellogg, aged 41. 

Dec. 10. Esther Wright, aged 79. 

April 15, 1812. Joseph Camp, aged 68. 

" 26. Joseph Churchill, aged 62. 

July 3. Capt. Robert Wells, aged 72. 

Aug. 23. Josiah Griswold, aged 52. 

Jan. 30, 1813. Zilpah, wife of Pomp Green, aged 50. 

Feb. 8. John Squire, aged 75. 

Mar. 24. Pomp Freeman, .aged about 60. 

April 12. Anna Deming, aged 85. 

July 20. Lois, wife of Justus Francis, aged 49. 

" 23. Rev. Joshua Belden, aged 89. 

Aug. 5. Martha, wife of Elias Deming, aged 63. 

Sept. 2. Child of Cieorge Hale's, aged 14 months. 

Nov. 11. Oswell Rockwell, aged 58. 

Feb. 4, 1814. Mary, wife of Oliver Crocker, aged 47. 



169 

Feb. 16. Prince Miranda, aged 47. 

Mar. 21. Rebecca, wife of 8ion Wentworth, aged 55. 

April 27. Mulatto woman, aged 20, and child. 

May 13. Elias Deming, aged 62. 

June 21. Ezeiiiel Deming, aged 51. 

'■ 27. Abigail Wells, widow of Capt. Robert Wells, aged 74. 

Aug. 5. Thomas , black man, aged about 90. 

Nov. 20 Martha, d. of Lemuel Henry, aged 2 years and 9 months. 

Dec. 9. Rebekah Boardman, aged 91. 

" 19. Robert Deming, aged 51. 

" 25. Thomas Clark, aged 38. 

Jan. 7, 1815. Robert Wells, s. of Capt. Robert W., aged 53. 

Feb. 23. Dorothy Clark, aged about 80. 

June 8. John Kirkhara, aged 54. 

Aug. 13. Martha, d. of Levi Hurlburt, aged 3^. 

" 15. Tabitha, wife of Ehas Andrus, aged 69. 

Oct. 25. Nancy Hooper's child, aged 1. 

" 26. Orra Deraing's child, aged 2. 

Nov. 8. Mehitabel, wife of Isaac Clark, aged 61. 

Dec. 29. Twin infants of Ansel Fox and Prudence his wife. 

Jan. 22, 1816. Mary Robbins, aged 73. 

Mar. 27. Mary Atwood, aged 88. 

Jan. 1, 1817. Infant of .Jeremiah Seymour, aged 2 days. 

'• 16. Dea. Daniel AVillard, aged 63. 

IMar. 17. Levi Hurlburt, aged 74. 

April 23. Elizabeth Smith, aged 88. 

May 3. Eleanor, wife of James Wells, jr., aged 42. 

June 6. Esther Hunn, aged 64. 

Oct. 26. Laura Dillings aged 16. 

Nov. 15. Chauncey L. Hunn, s. of Lester C. Hunn, aged 9. 

-^April 1, 1818. Josiah Willard, aged 78. 

June 8. Jennette Kiikham, wife of John K., aged 51. 

July 7. Unni Robbins, aged 52. 

Aug. 6. Catherine , black woman, aged 80. 

" 10. Lucius C'aes, aged 20. 

Oct. 20. Elisha Blinn, aged 55. 

Dec. 7. Jane, d. of William Kirkham, aged about 2. 

" 9. Lucina, wife of Elizur Deming, aged 65. 

" 10. Lucretia, wife of Elijah Warner, aged 47. 

" 23. Child of , tramps, aged 4 months. 

Jan. 7,1819. Elizabeth Whaples, aged 79. 

April 15. Sidney, s. of Allen Stoddard, aged 7| months. 

June 15. Child of Giles Smith, aged 8 months. 

" 25. Horace Kilbourn, aged 15. 

" 27. A man — unknown. 

July 10. Luther Lattimer, aged 75. 

Aug. 4. Eliza, d. of Lester C. Hunn, aged 6. 

Oct. 15. John Wright, aged 56. 

Dec. 7. David Lowrey, aged 79^. 

22 



170 

Dec .19. Francis Deming, aged 81. 

Jan. 22, 1820. Harriet E. Judd, wife of Allen Ju.ld, aged 20. 

Mar. 12. Lois Blinn, widow of James Blinn, aged 78. 

" 28. Infant of Lester Hunn. 
June 30. Nathan Rockwell, aged 21. 
Oct. 6. Julia Norton, d. of Martin Welles and Frances his wife, 

aged 1. 
Dec. 26. Elisha Squire, aged 40. 
Jan. 7, 1821. Ro-^anna Deming, aged 73. 
" 7. Rev. R. Emery, aged 26. 
Child of Robert We\U. 

Twin infants of James Wells, jr., aged 2 months. 
Silas Andrus, aged 75. 

Lucy Drming, d. of widow R. Deming, aged 18. 
Jeru>ba, wife of Thomas Deming, aged •!». 
Samuel Whaples, aged 41. 
Chauncey Whittlesey, aged 44. 
Elisha Squire, aged 78. 
, 1822. Sarah Roberts, aged 40. 
Eunice Wolcott, aged 74. 
Chester Wells, aged 47. . . 
Lucy, wife of Simeon Stoddard, aged 36. 
Henry Blannot, jr., aged 10. 
. David Goodrich, aged 66. 

Julia Churchill, aged 30. 
. Elizabeth Emery, d. of R. Rockwell, aged 13 months. 
, Maria, child of Thomas Curtis, aged 2i. 
5. Twin children of Levi Hubbard, aged 2. 
, Benjamin Ilendrick, aged 25. 
, Cynthia Wells, aged 30. 
2, 1823. Thomas S. Curtis, aged 37. 
" 25. Prudence, d. of Enos Deming, and Prudence his wife, 
aged 4. 
April 18. Sion Wentworth, aged 69. 
Henry Brown, aged 64. 
Anne, wife of Joseph Churchill, aged 42. 
Lemuel Whittlesey, aged 83. 
Abigail, wife of Asahel Case, aged 40. 
John Churchill, aged 38. 
Frederick Demiug, aged 57. 
1, 1824. Lifant of Jedidiah Deming. 
Asaph Whittlesey, aged 42. 
Sabra, wife of Cyrus Francis, aged 22. 

Hendric , an Indian, agi d 70. 

Hannah, wife of Benja:niu Hart, aged 50. 
Elizabeth, wife of L'onaid C. Hubbard, aged 51. 
Levi Lu^k, aged 67. 
Jonathan Hubbard, aged 14. 
" Martin Hooper, s. of Philip, aged 22. 

Nov. 4. Abigail, wife of Dea. James Wells, aged 75. 



Feb. 


26. 


Mar. 


3. 


April 


16. 
21. 


May 


4. 

8. 


Oct. 


22. 


Nov. 


6. 


Jan. 


15, 


" 


19. 


Mar. 


5. 


May 
June 


20. 
22. 


Aug. 


22. 


Sept. 


16. 
19. 


" 


22. 


Oct. 


4, 


Nov. 


25. 


Dec. 


20. 


Feb. 


2, 



May 
July 
Aug. 


20. 
22. 
24. 


Sept. 


4. 
17. 


" 


21. 


Mar. 


1, 


May 

July 


24. 
5. 
6. 


a 


28. 


Aug. 


4. 


Sept. 
Oct. 


16. 
16. 



171 

Nov. 20. Ha|jseb;Uli, d. of Jedidiah Deming, aged months. 

Jan. 13, 1825. Infant of Roswell Hunter, aged 3 mouths. 

" 13. Infant of Simeon Harrington, aged 7 months. 

Mar. 4. William Wells, s. of Dea. James, aged 39. 

" 21. Lydia Willard, aged 68. 

" 25. Deacon James Wells, aged 77. 

" 31. Jerusha Hartshorn, aged 78. 

April 12. Lorrain, wife of Absalom Wells, aged 56. 

" 30. John Fox, aged 24. 

May 6. Gardiner, child of Simeon Harrington, aged 5. 

" 8. Heman Francis, s. of Robert, aged 21. 

" -19. Martha Graham, aged 70. 

July 12. Harriet Churchill, d. of Samuel, aged 27. 

Aug. 23. Child of Alanson Colton, aged 1. 

Sept. 19. Lois Andrus. aged 95. 

Oct. 28. Arta Stevens, wife of Ichabod S., aged 34. 

" 29. Abigail Whaples, aged 47. 

Nov. 1. Chauncey Lattimer, aged 22. 

Dec. 8. Asahel Case, aged 49. 

Feb. 2, 1826. Lucy Lowrey, aged 77. 

" 21. Amos Andrus, ageil 63. 

April 11. Dorothy Stoddard, aged 84. 

May 1. Henry, s. of George Tucker, aged 2. 

" 6. Charles Corning, aged 47. 
Joseph Francis, aged 26. 

Aug. 21. Candace, wife of Jonathan Stoddard, aged 55. 

" 27. .Jonathan Stoddard, jr., aged 33. 

Dec. 30. Abigail, infant of J. W. Griswold, aged 4 weeks. 

Jan. 8, 1827. Rhoda Willard, aged 70. 

" 9. Justus Francis, aged 76. 

" 10. Amos A. Webster, aged 74. 

Feb. 24. Rhoda Churchill, aged 76. 

Mar. 18. Mary, wife of Jedidiah Deming, aged 37. 

April 15. Elias Andrews, aged 74. 

May 18. Infant of Ansel Fox, aged 6 months. 

" 24. Sally, wife of Dea. Levi Deming, aged 47. 

Sept. 29. Thomas Deming, aged 72. 

Nov. 1. Orra Fuller, aged 20. 

" 8. Mary Beckwith, aged 28. 

" 10. Samuel, s. of John C. and Laura Dow, aged 1. 

" 13. Hannah, wife of Marliu Kellogg, aged 77. 

" 22. Marietta, d. of Enos and Prudence Deming, aged 14. 

" 29. Orin Hubbard, s. of D. and E. Hubbard, aged 9. 

Dec. 5. Elizur Deming, aged 77. 

May 1, 1828. Rlioda Willard, widow of Josiah Willard, aged 75. 

June 8. Child of Alanson Colton, aged 4 months. 

" 27. Jane Kirkhain, d. of William and Sophia K., aged 9. 

Aug. 19. Martin Kellogg, aged 82. 

" 21. Justus Riley, aged 4, and Maria Clark, aged 2, children of 
William Blinu. 



Aug. 
Sept. 


29. 

5. 

17. 


« 


21. 


Oct. 


6. 


Nov. 


7. 


" 


8. 


Dec. 


8. 


" 


10. 


" 


24. 


Jan. 


24, 


Feb. 


10. 


" 


28. 


April 


.17. 
19. 


May 


2. 
12. 


June 


26. 


Oct. 


27. 


Dec. 


4. 


" 


6. 



172 

Lucy Lowrey, d. of Unni and Sarah Robbins, aged 1. 

Wait Griswold, aged 41. 

Child of Lot anil Mary Ann Beckwith, aged 1. 

Child of Abigail Blinn, aged 2. 

Elias Seymour, aged 82. 

Alfred Deming, aged 24. 

Ichabod Stevens, aged 44. 

Elizabeth Griswold, aged 37. 

Whiting, s. of Orin and Sarah Chapman, aged 2. 

Infant of Winthrop and Elizabeth Cinnamon. 
.829. Hannah Goodrich, aged 08. 

Laura K. Whittlesey, d. of Asaph W., aged 13. 

Joseph Churchill, aged 4'J. 

Sylvia, wife of Lemuel Holmes, aged 67. 

Jemima Welles, widow ot Roger, aged 72. 

Infant of Lot and Mary Ann Beckwith. 

Sarah Wells, widow of Elijah, aged 78. 

Lemuel Whittlesey, s. of Asaph, aged 18. 

Infant of Barzillai Deming, aged 7 hours. 

Elizur Andrews, aged 82. 

Hannah Crocker, aged 78. 
April 29, 1830. Lucy, wife of Uzziel Lattimer, aged 58. 
" 27. Laura, wife of John C. Dow, aged 27. 

July 9. Child of Woodward, aged 2 weeks. 

Aug. 28. Charles Mitchell, aged 19. 

Sept. Infant of John C. Dow. 

Feb. 25,1831. Seth Boardraan, aged 89. 

April 8. Mary Kellogg, d. of Martin Kellogg, aged 56. 

Aug. 15. Child of William Blinn, aged 6 months. 

Sept. 10. James Barnaby, aged 76. 

Nov. 25. Infant of Seth Kilbourn. 

Dec. 3. Martha, wife of Seth Kilbourn, aged 30. 

" 24. Mabel Webster, widow of Amos A. Webster, aged 77. 
" 31. Elisha Stoddard, aged 52. 
Jan. 13,1832. Solomon Welles, aged 85. 
Feb. 4. Elizabeth Seymour, widow of Elias, aged 85. 
April 8. Eunice, d. of Anson and Sarah Whaples, aged 2. 

" 20. Nancy Whaples, aued 53. 
Dec. 30. Samuel, infant of Henry and Huldah Kilbourn. 
Feb. 16,1833. Child of Miles Peck, aged 1. 
April 8. James Wells, aged 61. 
Nov. 22. Hannah, wife of Ezekiel Atwood, aged 04. 
Dec. 29. Lois Hurlbut Woodrufl", aged 51. 
Jan. 24, 1834. Mercy, wife of Samuel Churchill, aged 76. 

" 24. Francis, s. of Chester and Lucrelia Churchill, aged 2. 
April 6. Kasson, s. of Leo C. and Nancy Hubbard, aged 2. 

" 19. Martha, d. of Enos and Prudence Deming, aged 13. 
May 6. Benjamin Hopkins, aged 41. 
" 19. Samuel Wheelock, aged 35. 
Aug. 10. Jane Amelia, d. of Erastus and Seviah Lattimer, aged 6. 



173 

Sept. 4. James Wells, s. of James W., at West Hartford, aped 35. 
" 6. Frederick Sage, aged 11. 

" 29. Candace, d. of widow Candace Howard, aged 8. 
Nov. 14. Timothy Woodford, s. of Henry and Huldah Kilbourn, 

aged 10 months. 
Dec. 10. Samuel Churchill, aged 78. 

" 11. Heman F. Stoddard, s. of Hiram E. and Fanny Stoddard, 

aged .5. 
" 19. Manning Wells, aged 42. 
" 23. Enos Deming, aged 55. 
Jan. 1, 1835. James Hooper, aged 38. 

Feb. 8. Child of Chauncey Hart, of Farmington, aged 15 months. 
Mar. 8. Lydia Churchill Smith, aged 62. 

" 24. Lester C. Hunn, aged 51. 
April 10. Child of William Clark, aged 2. 
May 18. Jason Porter, aged 26. 
June 7. Simeon Stoddard, aged 53. 
July 17. Huldah B. Kilbourn, wife of Henry, aged 29. 
Sept. 3. George Seymour, deaf and dumb, aged 93. 
Oct. 1. Isaac Bell, aged 51. 

" 19. Eleazar Holmes, s. of Lemuel, aged 44. 
" 19. Ruggles Austin, aged 13. 
Feb. 16, 1836. Anna Andrus, wife of Elizur, aged 81. 
Mar. 1. Sarah Camp, d. of Joseph, aged 58. 

" 28. Beulah Stoddard, aged 55. 
April 5. Lucy Wells, always blind, aged 61. 

" 24. Wilson, aged 61. 

May 7. Caty, widow of Lester C. Hunn, aged 51. 
July 10. Laura, wife of Daniel AVillard, aged 53. 
Feb. 9, 1837. Laura K. W. Lee, wife of Thomas Lee, aged 53. 
April 25. Lydia F. wife of Joseph Camp, aged 31. 
Child of Mary Stowe, aged 3. 
Child of William Jackman, aged 3. 
Child of Ralph Wells, aged 1. 
Catherine, d. of Rebekah Stevens, aged 11. 
Julia, wife of Ralph Wells, aged 36. 
Chester Churchill, aged 39. 

1838. Mary Atwood, aged 75. 
John Grimshaw, suddenly, (heat 99°) aged 23. 
Sarah Jane, d. of Jesse and Lucy M. Hollister, aged 1. 
Stanley W. Griswold, s. of Hezekiah, jr., and Frances N. 

W. Griswold, aged 1. 

Ralph Wells, s. of Absalom, aged 39. 
Chloe, wife of Solomon Churchill, aged 74. 

Thankful , a black woman, aged 91. 

Electa Whittlesey, widow of Heman Whittlesey, aged 45. 

1839. Almira Day, d. of Henry and Emeline G. Kilbourn, 
aged 2. 

26. William Henry, s. of William and Martha Hubbard, 
aged 2. 



Sept. 


12. 


" 


18. 


Oct. 


14. 


" 


21. 


Oct. 


22. 


Nov. 


7. 


Mar. 


7, 


July 


10. 


Aug. 


24. 




29. 




W. ( 


Oct. 


19. 


Nov, 


3. 


" 


23. 


Dec. 


5. 


Feb. 


5, 



174 

April 30. James, s. of Stephen and Soplironia Saunders, aged 2. 

June 17. Absalom Wells, aged 74. 

Aug. 18. Infant of Jesse and Lucy M. Hollister. 

" 29. Sarah Rockwell, widow of Oswell Rockwell, aged 77. 

" 29. Child of John Crosslee, aged 1. 

Sept. 7. Lemuel Holmes, aged 75. 

" l.S. "William S. Deming, aged 25. 

Oct. 19. John Mitchell, aged GO. 

Nov. 5. Simon Kilbourn, aged 80. 

Dec. 11. Elisheba Hunn, aged 66. 

" 31. Elizabeth Deming, widow of Francis Deming, aged 85. 

Jan. 11, 1840. Mary P. Smith, wife of Samuel Smith, aged 34. 

Feb. 1. Infant of Erastus Kilbourn. 

" 14. John Green, aged 62. 

" 15. Unni Blinn, aged 75. 

April 6. Ellen, d. of William and Sophia Kirkham, aged 6 months. 

" 28. Jonathan Stoddard, aged 68. 

May 29. Hepzibah Lusk, wife of Gen. Levi Lusk, aged 83. 

Sept. 1. Abigail Forbes Kellogg, aged 62. 

Oct. 30. Sarah Ann C. Roberts, wife of William Roberts, aged 23. 

Feb. 2, 1841. Infant of Seth Purrington, aged 3 weeks. 

July 2. Almira, d. of John L. Apgar, aged 6. 

" 29. Mary Lusk Deming. d. of Jedidiah Deming, aged 23. 

Jan. 2, 1842. Martha H. wife of William Hubbard, aged 26. 

Mar. 18. Sarah Naomi Loveland, d. of James and Candace Love- 
land, aged 3. 

" 23. Caroline Deming, d. of Dea. Levi Deming, aged 32. 

April 6. Theodore Seymour, aged 64. 

" 18. Eunice Seymour, deranged 30 years, aged 61. 

May 3. Amelia Andrus, widow of Amo8 Andrus, aged 75. 

" 9. Lucy Dee, wife of William Dee, aged 34. 

" 10. Benajah Roberts, s. of Benajali Roberts, aged 3 weeks. 

" 16. Serviah Wliaples, wife of Reuben Whaples, aged 73. 

" 23. William Henry Deming, s. of Henry and Martha Dem- 
ing, aged 2. 
June 2. Lucy Frances, d. of James and Anna Blinn, aged 2. 

" 16. Solomon Churchill, aged 78. 

" 16. Orin Chapman, aged 45. 

July 27. Joseph Dee, s. of William Dee, aged 1. 

Sept. 5. Martin, s. of Chester and Nancy Griswold, aged 2. 

" 11. Julius Dee, s. of William Dee, aged 11. 
Oct. 11. Elizabeth Atwood, aged 84. 

Jan. 13, 1843. Octavia S., wife of Newman Francis, aged 34. 

" 28. Martha Green, d. of Phillis, aged 24. 
Dec. 1. Child of Joshua Dean, a^ed 3 months. 

June 29, 1844. Cynthia Holmes, aged 44. 

Aug. 21. Walter Lowrey, s. of Lowrey and Emily F. Robbing, 
aged 4. 

" 23. Jemima Filley, aged 88. 



175 

Oct. 7. Theresa Hibbard, d. of Isaac and Martha Bo^worth, aged 

1 year. 
Nov. 21. Phiiena S., wife of William Wells, aged 25. 
Mar. 20, 184.5. Infant of Homer Camp, aged 2 days. 
April 3. Alma Camp, aged 58. 

" 20. Nathaniel Hillhouse, aged 53. 
Sept. 20. . Horace Whaples, aged 26 

" 22. ■■ Eev. E. .Toab Brace, at Pittsfield, aged 31. 
Oct. 15. Agnes W., d. of John M. and M. E^ H. Belden, aged 2f 
Nov. 13. Allen Stoddard, aged 59. 

" 18. Cornelia F., wife of Chauncey Deming, aged 26. 

" 22. Dr. Chauncey Belden, aged 41. 
Dec. 12. William Deming, aged G3. 
Jan. 2, 1840. John Whitman Brace, aged 2H. 
Feb. 4. Joseph Hunlley, s. of Newman and Caroline H., aged 2. 
Sept. 10. Dorothy Belden, aged 76. 
Dec. 3. Edward Brainerd, aged 5. 
Jan. 1, 1847. Dea. Levi Deming, aged 74. 
Feb. 28. Richard Smart, aged 75. 

April 3. Mary S. Smith, d. of Dea. Jeremiah Seymour, a^^ed 22. 
May 12. Eunice Kilbourn, aged 83. 
July 7. Mary L., wife of Ashbel Seymour, aged 69. 
Dec. 11. Eliznr Deming, aged 66. 
Feb. 18,1848. Mary A^ Churchill, aged 65. 

" 23. Child of Seth Purrington, aged 3 months. 

" 29. Alice, d. of Truman Wiers, aged 10 months. 
Mar. 14. Charles Clark, aged 47. 

« 21. James Churchill, aged 66. 

" 28. Stephen P. Lamberton, aged 36. 
April 24. Laura Wells, d. of Ralph, aged 22. 
May 19. Lucy Ann Gaylord, aued 31. 
Aug. 4. Fanny Eliza, d. of Hiram E. Stoddard, aged 9. 
Nov. 4. Lucy Mullen, aged 16. 
Dec. 30. Eliza G. Cinnamon, aged 46. 
Feb. 15, 1849. Uzziel Lattimer, aged 79^. 
Aug. 15. Chester Griswold, aged 48. 
Oct. 1. Charity Tryon, a;;ed 94^. 

" 30. Sarah M. Goodrich, d. of William Blinn, aged 20. 
Dec. 13. Robert R. Rockwell, a^ed 23. 
Jan. 31, 1850. Laura F., d. of William F. and Frances G. Willard, 

aged 6. 
April 20. Child of John L. Apgar, aged 6 months. 
May 5. Sarah Deming, wife of William, aged 66. 

" 23. Phillis Green, widow of John Green, aged 72. 
June 30. Joseph Rockwell, s. of Robert Rockwell, aged 21. 
July 23. Nancy Francis, widow of Cyrus, aged 48. 
Aug. 30. Newel, s. of Reuben Osborn, aged 3. 
Nov. 7. Amanda, wife of Elisha Whaples, jr., aged 44. 

" 30. Nelson Dilliugs, s. of Elias, aged 38. 
Jan. 29, 1851. Mary, wife of Otis Huntley, aged 45. 



176 

Feb. 22. Nancy Wells, aged 77. 

Mar. 31. Michael Guuniiig, aged 23. 

Jlay 28. Mary Blinii, widow of Elisha, aged 80. 

July 17. Alice Augusta, d. of Elisha and Esther Blinn, aged 2. 

Aug. 9. Joel Huntley, aged 64. 

Sept. 21. John Cady, s. of Walter G. Cady, aged 5. 

Oct. 2. Julia A. S. Cady, wife of Walter G. Cady, aged 32. 

" 4. Levi Welles, s. of Elisha and Esther Blinn, aged 7. 

" 30. Irene AnJrus, aged 82. 
Jan. 13, 18.52. Lucy Robbins, aged 80. 

Feb. 17. Joseph Camp, aged 71. 

Mar. 9. Bertha B., wife of Erastus Francis, aged 44. 

April 9. Harriet Hopkins, widow of Benjamin, aged .07. 

May 7. Nancy, d. of widow Nancy Griswold, aged 22. 

" 14. Mary K. Camp, wife of Samuel Camp, aged 33. 

" 29. Child of John G. Wells, aged 1. 

Sept. .''. Child of Hezekiah Griswold, aged 2. 

" 17. Julia A. Hull, aged 16. 

" 18. Lucy Deraing, widow of Robert, aged 87. 

Oct. 8. Harriet, wife of William Dee, aged 26. 

Nov. 2. James B. Griswold, aged 36. 

" 14. Oliver Pomeroy Bulkley, many years deranged, aged 65. 
Feb. 3, 1853. Dositheus Hubbard, aged 60. 

Mar. 20. Laura C. Dow, d. of John C. and Martha Dow, aged 1 9. 

" 24. Mary Ann Cady, d. of Walter G. Caily, aged 2. 

April 1. Marcus Lent, s. of Henry and Emeliue Kilbouru, aged 10. 

May 11. Anna Camp, aged 80. 

Oct. 26. Reuben Whaples, blind, aged 86. 

'• 29. Ezekiel Atwood, aged 90. 

Dec. 18. Abigail, wife of Linus Gilbert, d. of Unni Blinn, aged 48. 
April .5,1854. Elisha Whaples, jr., aged 53. 

May 9. James H. Dix, s. of Roswell Dix, aged 11. 

July 2. Eliza Wells, d. of Dea. Origen Wells, aged 44. 

Aug. 23. Sarah Dow, wife of Samuel Dow, aged 76. 

Sept. 18. Gennette. wife of Martin Whaples, aged 24. 

Oct. 23. Lucinda Gaylord, aged 84. 

Oct. 28. Daniel Whaples, aged 54. 

Nov. 16. Child of George F. and Mary A. Davis, aged 1. 

" 16. Child of Carlos and Frances M. Huntley, aged 2. 

" 16. Lucy Collins Brace, wife of the Pastor, aged 72^. 

" 24. Martha Carter Dow, wife of John C. Dow, aged 41. 

Dec. 14. Esther Latimer, aged 83.* 
Feb. 13, 18-55. Robert Francis, aged 92. 

Mar. 1. Lydia Smith, wife of Giles Smith, aged 71. 

" 4. Elizabeth Hollister, wife of Horace Kilbourn, aged 22. 

" 10. Sally Demiug, widow of Dea. Levi, aged 72. 

'• 14. Child of Dumont Carey, aged 1|. 

Mary Abilene Dow, d. of John C. and Martha Dow. 

Jan. 25, 1856. David Hunn, aged 77. 

* The last entry by Dr. Brace. 



177 

May 29. Harriet R. Dillings, aged 36. 

June 7. Fanny Deming, widow of Brazil, aged 68. 

" 12. Child of Benjamin Beastead, aged 8 months. 

" 29. Carlos Gottlieb Wagner, aged 36. 

Ang. 30. Stephen D wight Laraberton, aged 12. 

Nov. 28. Maria Larabeiton, aged' 43. 

April 20, 1861. Rev. Joab Brace, D. D., at Pittsfield, aged 90. 



V. 
CHURCH VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS. 

Feb. 28, 1805. Church meeting after lecture, " Voted, a tax on the 
communicants to supply the deficiency of the fund given by Deacon Dem- 
ing, for the support of the Communion table." Appointed David Lowrey 
and Levi Deming a committee to direct this business, also to purchase a 
record book for the church. 

Attest, J. Brace, Col. Pastor. 

Oct. 29, 181 8. A special meeting of the church was held for the choice 
of two deacons, one in the place of the late deacon Willard, and the other 
in the room of deacon Wells, resigned. Levi Deming, 2d, and Origen 
Wells were chosen, and commended to God in prayer. 

Attest, J. Brace, Pastor. 

Jan. 4, 1830. The church resolved to appoint a committee to aid in the 
exercise of church discipline, and to renew the appointment annually, to 
consist of the two deacons, and three additional members. The two dea- 
cons were appointed by nomination, and the other three were chosen by 
ballot. The whole committee are Dea. Levi Deming, Dea. Origen Wells, 
Brother Josiah W. Griswold, Brother William Deming, and Brother Jedi- 
diah Demini;, to hold their office imtil the sacramental lecture preceding 
the first Sabbath in January, 1831. After prayer, the meeting was 
adjourned 

Dec. 30, 1830. At the time of sacramental lecture, the same persons 
were re-;ippointed church committee. 

Dec. 2',), 1831. After lecture the church re-appointed the same persons 
committee for the year ensuing. 

Jan. 3, 1833. At lecture, the same church comnuttee was re-appointed. 

Jan. 2, 1834. At lecture, the same church committee was re-appointed. 

Jan. 1, 1835. At lecture, the same were re-appointed except J. W. 
Griswold. 

Mar. 2, 1837. The church held a meeting after the sacramenta,l lecture 
for receiving the communication of six members, (who had in a disorderly 
manner left the communion and ordinances of this church,) wishing to be 
dismissed, without naming any church to which they wish to go. . . . 
Tlie church deferred these petitions for consideration on the next lecture 
day. In the meantime, the church committee were especially appointed to 
attend to these members, and report to the next meeting. The committee 
appointed were Dea. Deming, Dea. Wells, William Deming, Jedidiah 
Deming, and Josiah Atwood. The meeting was adjourned to the time of 
the next sacramental lecture. 

May 4, 1837. The church held a raeetiiig by adjournment, after the 

sacramental lecture, for receiving the report of the committee, when it 

appeared that they had with christian kindness and patience admonished 

the delimjuent ' members, but without any effect in reclaiming them. 

23 



178 

Whereupon, after mature deliheratinn, thi' {■Imrcli came unanimously to 
the tbllowing decision. " Viileil, That whereas .... have fur a 
long time, contrary to their covenant engagements, separated themselves 
from the communion of this church, and have refused to listen to the 
admonitions of the church committee who were especially appointed to 
reclaim them, this church does by this act, (2 Thess. Ill, G.) withdraw 
from them, and considers itself as discharged from the covenant ohligatiun 
to watch over them." 

Jan. 4, 1838. At lecture, Church Committee were appointed, viz : Dea. 
Levi Deming, Dea. Origen Wells, Br. William Deming, Br. Jedidiah 
Deming, Br. Josiah Atwood. 

Jan. 28. Voted by the church unanimously, that the pleasure and the 
thanks of this church be expressed to Lucy L. Robbins and Mary L. Sey- 
mour for the mahogany table this day presented by those two sisters for 
the possession and use of this church in the sacramental communion. 

Jan. 1, 1839. Voted by the church and people in general meeting to 
drop Dwight's edition of the Psalms, and adopt Watti' entire^ with select 
hymns. 

Jan. 3, 1839. Lecture. "Voted, That Wm. Deming, Lester Luce, and 
Jeremiah Seymour, with Dea. Deming and Dea. Wells, he the standing 
committee of the church for this year." 

July 7, 1839. Church furniture this day presented and consecrated, 
viz : two flagons, six cups, four platters, and a baptizing bason, procured 
by a readij subscription, bought of Thomas Wiggins, of Philadelphia, (by 
whose favor, $20. were deducted from the price.) to be the property of the 
church, (gathered Oct. 3, 1722, whose covenant is written in this book 
and in the Pulpit Bible,) to be used in the administration of the Lord's 
supper so long as the church shall choose. Whole cost of An-niture and 
trunk $111). J. Bkaci:, Pastor. 

Dec. 31, 1840. The same church committee were appointed. 

Dec. 30, 1841. The same were re-appointed as the comniiltee of the 
church. 

Dec. 29, 1842. Jan. 4, 1844. Jan. 2, 1845. The same were re-ap- 
pointed committee of the church. 

April 30, 1846. Joseph Camp was chosen by ballot committee in place 
of VVilliam Deming, deceased. The others re-appointed. 

Dec. 31, 1840. The same re-appointed. 

July 1, 1847. Jedidiah Deming was chosen deacon in the place of 
Dea. Levi Deming. 

Dec. 30, 1847. Church Committee. Two deacons, Joseph Camp, 
Lester Luce, and Jeremiah Seymour. 

Jan. 4, 1849. The same were re-appointed. 

Nov. 29, 1849. Dea. Origen Wells, having served the church ever since 
1818, resigned his work as deacon, on account of the loss of sight, and 
brother Jeremiah Seymour was chosen deacon in his place. 

Jan. 3, 1850. Church Committee, two deacons, Joseph Camp, Lester 
Luce, Roger Welles. 

Jan. 2, 1851, and Jan. 1, 1852. The same were re-appointed. 

Dec. 30, 1852. Two deacons, (e.x-o(Bcio) of the standing committee. 
Josiah Atwooil (diosen by ballot in the place of Joseph Camp, deceased, 
for the year ensuing. Roger Welles and Lester Luce re-apjiointed. 

Dec. 29, 1H53. Same Committee re-appointed. Widow Dorothy Stod- 
dard re-admitted to the church. 

Jan. 4, ISo."). Dea. Deming, Dea. Seymour, Roger Welles, Josiah 
Atwood, anil Ix'ster Luce re-appointed church Conmiittee. Dea. Deming's 
account reported, and a contribution directeil ibr paying the account.* 

* The last entry by Dr. Brace. 



179 

May 4, 1855. Charles K. Atwood was appointed Clerk. 

Jan. 5, 1S5G. Deacons J. Deming ami J. Seymour, and brethren Roger 
Welles, Josiah Atwood, and Erastus Latimer were appointed committee 
ibr the year. 

Mar. 3, " Voted, That we make choice of and invite Mr. William P. 
Aikin to become colleague pastor with Rev. Dr. Brace. 

" Voted, That Erastus Latimer be a committee to inform the society of 
our action and request their concurrence. 

" Voted, That Charles K. Atwood, ^Marcus W. Stoddard, and Levi 
S. Duming be a committee of the church to inlbrm Mr. Aikin of our call, 
and to take measiu-es necessary to his settlement." 

1857. Mr. Aikin having accepted the call, Friday, January 9, was 
appointed as a day of fasting and prayer. Public exercises in the after- 
noon were conducted by Rev. Samuel J. Andrews, assisted by Rev. Fred- 
erick Gridley. 

Charles K. Atwood, Clerk of Church. 



Note. — The records kept by Dr. Brace are written in a very plain band, and 
are still in .a very good state of preservation. Tliey contain the church Covenant, 
Onlinaiions, Admissions to Comnuuiion, Baptisms, Confessions, Publishments, 
Marriages, Funerals or Deaths, Church Proceedings, Those dismissed .ind recom- 
mended to other churches, and the Delegates to Councils. A large portion of 
these records is omitted, and that jiortion printed has been aln-idged to some 
extent; as an instance of this abridgment may be mentioned the fact that Dr. 
Brace records not only the deaths of his people and their ages, hut also the 
diseases which carried them otf ; tlie latter have been omitted. A single case of 
discipline has been given where certain persons were e.xcluded for absenting 
tliemselves from the communion and ordinances of the church, in whose case the 
action of the church was the reverse of that taken recently by a distinguished 
church in Brooklyn. Only two other cases of discipline occur in Dr. Brace's 
ministry. 



The resignation of Dr. Brace, January 16, 1855, closed a 
ministry of fifty years; and altliougli he had passed the age 
of threescore years and ten, it could almost be said of him 
that "his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated." 
The affection of liis people towards him was certainly una- 
bated. In his valedictory discourse he said : " The great body 
of this congregation can not look back to the time when I was 
not here. They have known no other minister." He was as 
a father to them all. Under these circumstances his with- 
drawal from his life work was, in the language of a brother 
minister, " a fitting close of a favored ministry. This termi- 
nation of the pastoral office, and laying down the commission 
borne for more than half a century, while yet conscious of 
the possession of vigorous powers, and of tlie active confidence 



180 

and afifection of a grateful people, was a delightful exhibition 
of the power of the gospel." He himself has left on record 
the following remarkable testimony of his devotion to his 
chosen work and people: "Now, my people, if you should rise 
up in a body here to-day, and propose this one question to me, 
viz: 'If we should all' go back to our youth again, would you, 
with all your experience, come and be our minister again?' 
what would I say? If I were to go back and begin my life 
anew I would choose the Christian ministry for my work, and 
for the joy of my life. Lord Jesus accept me. 'Would I come 
and be the minister of Xewingion again?' Yes, yes, my 
brethren, I think I can say that I would, and spend the half 
century with you." And his people Avould, in response, also 
have takenhim anew to their iiearts, as their minister for the 
half century over again. A j)ortion of his work appears in 
the preceding records, but the whole will never be made man- 
ifest until the final books of account shall be opened at tlie 
holding of the Great Assizes. After his resignation he left 
the scene of his life-long labors, and took tip his residence 
with his son-in-law, Rev. Dr. John Todd, at Pittsfield, Mass., 
where he ended his earthly pilgrimage in peace with all men 
and with his Maker, having length of days, and honor, and 
" riches incorruptible and that fadeth not away." 

During the season following the resignation of Dr. Bi'ace 
the pulpit was supplied by Rev. Jno. Whittlesey, of New Brit- 
ain. A revival followed his preaching, which resulted in the 
addition to the church of about* thirty persons. In Decem- 
ber, 1855, a call was extended to Rev. David H. Thayer, then 
settled at Mount Carmel. Mr. Thayer declined. In March, 
1856, Mr. William P. Aiken, then a tutor in Yale College, 
received a call, which he accepted with the understanding that 
his ordination should not take place until January, 1857. 
During the interval between his call and ordination the pulpit 
was supplied by Rev. Samuel J. Andrews, of Hartford. 

SECOND PERIOD, 18S7-1874. 
Mr. Aiken was ordained Tuesday, January 15, 1857. The 
churches represented on the occasion were the following: 
Hartford 1st, Rev. Joel Hawes, D.. D., Samuel Ward; Farm- 



181 

ington, Dca. Thomas Treadwell ; West Hartford, Rev. M. N. 
Morris, Dea. Josiah W. Griswold; Berlin, Josiali Webster; 
Rocky Hill, Rev. L. B. Rockwood, Dea. Thomas D. Williams; 
Wethersfield, Rev. W. S. Colton, Dca. Galpiii; Pittsfield 1st, 
John E. Todd; Hamden, Rev. David H. Thayer, Joshua 
Carpenter; church in Yale College, Rev. George P. Fisher, 
Rev. Theodore D. Woolsey, president of Yale College; Rev. 
Frederick Gridley, Rev. Samuel J. Andrews, Rev. Joab Brace, 
senior pastor of the church. Dr. Hawes was appointed mod- 
erator, and Rev. Mr. Colton scrilje. The several parts of the 
public service were performed as follows: Invocation and 
reading of the Scriptures, Rev. Mr. Morris; sermon, Rev. 
Pres. Woolsey; ordaining prayer, Rev. Dr. Brace; charge to 
the pastor, Rev. Royal Robbins; right hand of fellowship, 
Rev. Prof. Fisher; address to the people. Rev. S. J. Andrews; 
concluding prayer, Rev. D. H. Thayer; l)enediction by the 
pastor. 

Rev. Mr. Aiken continued to discharge the duties of the 
pastoral office for ten years, most acceptably to his peojile, 
who with great reluctance yielded to his departure to another 
field of labor in the summer of 1867. He resigned, and a 
mutual council was called which severed the tie which had 
so happily bound pastor and people together. He became 
principal of the Lawrence Academy at Groton, Mass. He 
is at this time settled at Vergennes, Vt. 

In February, 1868, Mr. Sandford S. Martyn received a call, 
which he accepted March 12, 1868, and was ordained April 
29, 1868. He continued pastor two years, when he resigned 
to take charge of the church in New Hartford, where lie is 
still settled. 

On the second Sabbath in June, 1870, Rev. Roliert G. Ver- 
milye, then professor in the Hartford Theological Seminary, 
began to supply the pulpit. July 8d, 1870, on invitation of 
the Society's Committee, he became stated preacher, and so 
continued until November 2d, 1873, when he ceased his serv- 
ices on account of failing health. He is now living in Hart- 
ford. He continued to discharge his duties as professor while 
acting as preacher in Newington. This ends the catalogue of 



182 

worthy men who liave for nearly a century and three-quarters 
proclaimed the glad tidings of salvation to hungry souls in 
Newington. Most of tliem have gone to their reward, but 
their influence has left its impress upon the character of the 
people, wlio are pre-eminently moral, intelligent, temperate, 
and industrious, and who from the first have been engaged 
almost wholly in tlie peaceful cultivation of the soil. Like 
the Acadian farmers, they have been — 

"Men whose lives gliiled on like rivers that water the wooillamls, 
Darkened by shadows of earth, but reflecting an image of heaven. 

Living in a fruitful valley, formerly 

" Distant, secluded, and still, 

the description of the poet might be very truthfully applied 
to the homes of our fathers. 

"There, in the midst of its farms, reposed the Acadian village. 

Strongly built were the houses, with frames of oak and of chestnut. 

There in the trantiuil evenings of summer, when brightly the sunset 

Lighted the village street, and gilded the vanes on the chimneys, 

Matrons and maidens sat in snow white caps and in kirtles 

Scarlet, and blue, and green, with distaffs spinning the golden 

Flax for the gossiping looms, whose noisy shuttles \vithin doors 

Mingled their sound with tlie whir of the wheels and the songs of the maidens. 

Then came the laborers home from the fields, and serenely the sun sank 

Down to his rest, and twilight prevailed. 

Columns of pale blue smoke like clouds of incense ascending. 

Rose from a hundred hearths, the homes of peace and contentment. 

Thus dwelt together in love these simple Acadian farmers — 

Dwelt in the love of God and of man. 

Newington has an honored past. May her sons ever prove 
worthy descendants of those noble sires who originally ol> 
tained the liberty to be a distinct parish from the parent soci- 
ety, for the high purpose of " carrying on the worship of God 
amongst themselves." 

" Sweet Auburn ! loveliest village of the plain, 
Where health and plenty cheered the laboring swain, 
Where smiling spring its earliest visit paid. 
And parting summer's lingering blooms delayed — 
Dear lovely bowers of innocence and ease. 
Scats of my youth, when every sport could please, 
How often have I loitered o'er thy green, 
Where humble happiness endeared each scene; 
How often have I pause<l on every charm — 
The sheltered cot, the cultivated liirm. 
The never failing brook, the busy mill. 
The decent church that topped the nciglil)onng hill." 



183 



EXTRACTS FROM SOCIETY RECORDS. 
1857—1874. 

LEASE OF PARSONAGE TO KEV. WM. P. AIKIX. 

Know all men, That the Newintrton Ecclesiastical Society, for the con- 
sideration hereinafter mentioned, have leased to Rev. William P. Aikin 
the house, barn, and land lately purchased by them for a parsonage,* to 
occupy and use the same, with the appurtenances thereof, so long as he 
shall remain ministerially connected with said society ; the said William 
P. Aikin paying therefor the yearly rent of one hundred and fitty dollars, 
to be deducted from his salary. And the said William P. Aikin agrees 
with said society, to keep the lences and buildings in good repair, and to 
paint such parts of the house and fences, as are now, or ought to be 
painted, so often as shall be necessary or proper ; the society to provide 
timber for repairing the fences, and whenever it shall be necessary to 
renew the roof of any building, or replace any timber by reason of decay, 
the said society will do it at their own proper cost. This agreement is to 
be of force for one year, and then from year to year, unless annulled by 
the society at their ne.xt annual meeting, or at some other mreling called 
for the purpose. William P. Aikin. 

Nkwington, January 14, A. D. 185 7. 

It is not to be understood by the above agreement that 1 am to paint 
the fences now needing it until thev have bci'n once painted by the society. 

W. P. A. 
■ J. Deming, Jr., f 

A. S. HuNN, V Society's Committee. 

CiiAs. K. Atwood, ) 

At a society meeting held April 19, 18.58, " Voted, That the society 
committee be authorized to put a new roof on the parsonage house ; that 
the society committee be authorized to remove the present front fence - 
south of the parsonage, and build a slat fence, and to bring it out so as 
to correspond with the line in front of the house of Miss Prudence Hall." 

At a society meeting held Nov. 2, 1858, " Voted, That Dea. Jeremiah 
Seymour, Erastus Latimer, and Charles K. Atwood be appointed to 
inquire as to the expediency of this society giving a bond or making ta 
covenant with the occupant or owner of certain property formerly given 
by Roxanna Deming, to remain for the use of the Congregational minister 
of Newington." 

At a society meeting held Nov. 16, 1858, The committee appointed to 
inquire concerning the property bequeathed by Roxanna Deming, reported 
adversely to any claim on the part of the minister or society of Newington, 
because said claim was relinquished years ago, and said report is on file. 

" Voted, That the rejiort of our committee appointed to inquire con- 
cerning the property bequeathed by Roxanna Deming be accepted." 

At a society meeting held Nov. 1, 1859, " Voted, That all money received 
by the agents of this society shall be paid to the treasurer, and that the 
treasurer shall pay no money out without an order from the society's com- 
mittee." 

At a special society meeting held June 11, 1860, in consideration of the 
request of Rev. William P. Aikin that his connection with this people as 
junior pastor be dissolved, Jiesolued, That we believe the labors of the 

* This was the lale residence of Rev. Dr. Brace, sold by him to Milo Doty, 
formerly of Hartford, of whom it was purchased by the society. 



184 

Junior pastor of this peopU; have been in a hi2;h degree acceptable ami 
profitable to us, ami we desire in this manner to testify to our confidence in 
his ability to continue to minister unto us to our edification and satisfac- 
tion ; and we feel that the severing of the ties existing between the ])astor 
and people will be highly detrimental to the spiritual and temporal wel- 
fare of this church and society. We, therefore, earnestly and affection- 
ately invite him to withdraw the request in compliance with which this 
meeting was called. 

At a society meeting lield Nov. .3, ISfi.'i, " Voted, That the society's 
committee with the treasurer be authorized to obtain an iron safe for the 
society." 

At a society meeting held March 9, 1864, " Voted., That a committee of 
three be appointed to encjuire and report in regard to an organ or other 
in.struiient of music to be used in the church. H. L. Kellogg, Fufus 
Stoddard, Edwin Welles, committee." 

At a society meeting held March IG, 18G4, " Voted, That whereas Rev. 
William P. Aikin, our pastor, has expressed a desire to purchase the real 
estate known as the parsonage, and whereas it is our desire to encourage 
his labors, and efforts to procure for himself a permanent residence with 
us, therefore, 

" Voted, That the society's committee be instructed to offer to him the 
above named property for the sum of $2250."* 

At a special society meeting held Jan. 31, 1865, for the purpose of 
taking action upon a notice given to the society's committee by the presi- 
dent of the Phieuix Bank of Hartford that said Bank has voted to effect 
a new organization, as a national banking association under the national 
currency act, and that said society should surrender up its certificate of 
stock in said bank, and withdraw its stock from said bank at its par value, 
Hexotprd, That this society elects to continue to hold its shares of stock in 
the Pliijeni.K Bank of Hartford, consisting of seven shares, as transferable 
stock ; and to hold the same as stock of the proposed national banking 
association. The action of the society's committee in giving notice to 
such effect, to the said bank, is hereliy ratified and confirmed. 

At a special society meeting held March 1, 18G5, " Voted, That we 
appropriate the sum of $375, to increase the salary of our pastor, Rev. 
William P. Aikin, for the present year." 

At a society meeting held Nov. 14, 18G5, " Voted, That the society's 
committee be directed to employ a sexton, and stipulate with him in regard 
to digging graves and attending funerals. 

" Votfd, That the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars be added to the 
salary of our pastor, Rev. VV. P. Aikin, for the ensuing year. 

Whereas Rufus Stoddard has expended for musical instruments the 
sum of $27.85 more than he has received. Voted, That the above sum be 
paid to him from the treasury of the ecclesiastical society, if it is not 
raised for him in some other way, in three months from the present time." 

At a society meeting held Nov. G, 18G6, " Voted, That the society accept 
the lot known as lot No. 11, in the new part of the old burying ground, 
donated by the Newington School Society for the use of the pastor of the 
Congregational Church." f 

*Mr. Aikin did not purchase. 

t The school societies of the State were abolished liy public act in 1856. In 
I8f>2 the Ncvvin;;ton School Society was reestalilishcd. 

At the annual meeting of the voters of the Newington School Society held 
Oct 15, 18fifi, "IWrf, That this society hcreliy donate the north half of the 
BuriMl lot, No. II, in tlie old ground, to thu Ecclcsiasiical Society, a.s a parson- 
age lot, for the use of the pastor of the Congregational Church; and the treas- 



185 

At a society meeting lield Dec. 4, 1866, " Voted, Tliat the sum of tlirce 
luindred dollars be added to the salary of William P. Aikin, for the year 
ensuing." 

At a society meeting held July 13, 18G7, " Voted, That from and after 
January 1st, 1868, the salary of our pastor, Rev. AVilliam P. Aikin, shall 
be tliirteen hundred and fifty dollars a year and the parsonage." 

At a special society meeting held July 20, 1867, " Voted, That the mem- 
bers of this society deeply regret the action of our pastor. Rev. William 
P. Aikin, in tendering his resignation of the ])astoral ofHce in this place ; 
tliat the ties which have, for the last ten years, so happily bound pastor 
and people together are not willingly sundered on our part; but acqui- 
escing in his decision that to change his field of labor would be more con- 
sistent with his sense of duty, and give him a wider opportunity to use 
his influence for good, we hereby accept his resignation, tendering him 
our heartfelt thanks for his faithfulness to us in the past, and assuring 
him that our benedictions will go with him into his new sphere of action. 

" Voted, That the society's conunittee are hereby instructed to unite with 
the committee of tlie church, and witli Mr. Aikin, in calling a council for 
his dismission. 

" Voted, That the society's committee be authorized to act as agents for 
the society, to represent the society before the council. 

"Voted, That Edwin Welles and H. A. Whittlesey be and they are 
hereby appointed a committee to comnumicate to Mr. Aikin the action of 
this meeting, and present to him a copy of the foregoing vote." 

At a special society meeting held Feb. 10, 1868, to give a call, if deemed 
expedient, to the Rev. S. S. Martyn to become tlie settled pastor in the 
gospel ministry over the congregational church and people in this place, 
and to arrange terms of his settlement as such pastor. 

urer is hereby authorized to issue the usual certificate, upon being notified that 
the Ecclesiastical Society have accepted the donation for the use specified." 

In 1865, the school society purchased additional land for burial purposes 
adjoining the old burying ground on tlie west, and employed Mr. Scott of New 
Britain to lay out the ground into suitable lots, and make a plan, which was 
deposited with the clerk of the society for reference. Unoccupied lots in the old 
ground were also examined and numbered and assessed. At a meeting of the 
School Society held Dec. 18, 1865, " Voted, That the society's committee is 
hereby instructed to sell, subject to all rules and regulations winch, from time to 
time, may be m.ade by the society, only the exclusive right of burial in the lots 
offered for sale in the new burying ground, reserving to the society the title in 
fee simple to the lots, and the society hereby guarantee to all who shall become 
purchasers thereof and to their heirs and assigns forever, upon receipt of the 
purchase money for said lots sold, the exclusive right and title of burying their 
dead in said lots, and all other rights and privileges necessary to the full enjoy- 
ment of said right of burial." 

" Voted, That the terms of sale be cash or approved notes on interest for three 
months." 

At a meeting held Dec. 25, 1865, " Voted, That no person shall plant or 
retain on his lot on the new ground any tree, or set or retain around his lot any 
fence or hedge without the approbation of the society's committee." It was 
afterwards voted to sell lots in the new ground to members of the society only. 

By the action of the legislature in 1872, the school society was again abolished, 
and its property vesl^ed in the town of Newington, which now therefore owns the 
burying ground, and holds it upon the same terms and subject to the same rules 
and regulations as did the school society. 

The last meeting of the school society was held Sept. 28, 1871. In the fall 
of 1872, the town by vote authorized the town clerk to sell the lots in the bury- 
ing ground, subject to the same conditions as before. It is believed most if not 
all of these conditions are enumerated above. 

24 



186 

Whereas a communication has been received from the chiin-h, inform- 
ing us that they have chosen Mr. >S. S. Martyn for their pastor, and desire 
our concurrence. Therefore, Voled, That we concur with the church in 
the choice of Mr. Martyn, and direct tlie committee, to be appointed for 
the purpose, to request his acceptance of the offer.* 

At a special society meeting held April 22, 1870, " to take into consider- 
ation the resignation of Kev. S. S. Martyn." The moderator, as committee 
of the church, reported that the church had passed a vote to unite with 
the pastor and society in calling a council to take action upon Mr. Mar- 
tyn's resignation, " Voted, That this society unite with our pastor and the 
church in calling a council to act upon his resignation. Roger AVclles, 
Charles K. Atwood, and John M. Belden were then appointed a committee 
to represent the society belbre the council." 

At a society meeting held Nov. 8, 1870, " Voted, Th.at the society's 
committee be authorized to employ Rev. Dr. Veimilye to supply the pulpit 
for the ensuing year." 

At a special society meeting held April 12, 1871, "to take into con- 
sideration the expediency of celebrating the one hundred and fiftieth 
anniversary of the existence of Newington." 

The clerk read by reijuest a report of a committee of the "Farmers 
Club," recommending that a celebration be held on the 25th day of May 
next, as the 25tb day of May, 1 721, was the date of the passage by the Gen- 
eral Assembly of the Colony of Connecticut of the resolution which gave 
the name of Newington to this parish. 

" Voted, That Charles K. Atwood, Henry M. Robbins, Joshua Belden, 
and David L. Robbins be a committee to take into consideration the ex- 
pediency of celebrating the 150th anniversary of Newington, and if deemed 
expedient by them, to make the necessary arrangements for such cele- 
bration."! 

At a society meeting held Nov. 7, 1871. " Highly appreciating the past 
services of Rev. Dr. Vermilye, and desiring to enjoy them still further, it 
is Voted, That the society's committee be instructed to engage him for 
another year. Passed unanimously. 

At a special society meeting held Feb. 24, 1873, "to take action upon 
the acceptance of the devise of Miss Prudence Hall of certain land with 
conditions attached." 

"Whereas Prudence Hall, late of Newington, deceased, has, by her 

*The society voted to give him SI, 200 a year in addition to the parson,nj;e, 
which he accepted March I a, 1870. Previous to this time the pulpit had heen 
supplied partly by Rev Mr. Winslow, then of Newington, also Kev. Mr. Riggs 
of West Hartlord had held many meetings which resulted in a revival which was 
in progress at this time. 

t A majority of the committee were of the opinion that the best mode of cele- 
brating this anniversary, was to obtain another grant from the (ieneral As.-icnibly 
making Newington a new town. It was accordingly done. The history ol tli.ct 
transaction is too long for insertion here. It marks an epoch in the aiinnls of 
Newington, which will be long remembered by those who participated in it. 
The statute book gives one result of the action that was taken, other results are 
unfolding and will continue to unfold so long as Newington stands iirm on its 
foundations. Let us cherish the hope that these results will always prove con- 
ducive to the jjermanent prosperity an<l advancement of the place. The " Far- 
mer's Club," is afso one of the institutions of Newington which deserves more 
than a passing notice, social in its character, it has brought the people to;;etlicr 
for their mutual pleasure and improvement, in agricultural, literary, and salta- 
tory pursuits. Its chronicles may be found written in the book of records kept 
by its clerk, which, being at once instructive and amusing, will repay perusal, its 
meetings will ever remain green in the memories of those who attended them. 



T87 

last will and testampnt, given and devised all her real estate unto this soci- 
ety, to be and remain to the use and benefit of this society and their suc- 
cessors forever, as and lor parsonajje property, for the maintenance of the 
ministry of the gospel in the Congregational church or society in said 
Newington, subject however to the condition that this society shall pay 
the expenses of her last sickness, her funeral expenses, the expenses of 
settling her estate, and shall erect a suitable monument to her memory, 
as appears by said will duly proved and approved by the Probate Court in 
and for the Hartford Probate District. Now, therefore, — 

" I'oleil, That this society accepts said gilt and devise of said real estate 
above mentioned lor the purpose and upon the condition named in said 
will as aforesaid. 

" Voted, That the society's committee be and they are hereby authorized 
and instructed to draw an order or orders on the treasurer of this society 
in favor of the executor of said will for the payment of the expenses of 
the last sickness of said Prudence Hall, her funeral expenses, and the 
expenses of settling her estate, whenever bills for the same shall be duly 
presented to them by said executor, taking his receipt therefor, and that 
they cause a suitable monument to be erected to her memory at her grave, 
satisfactory to her said executor. 

" Voted, That a true and attested copy of the above votes be furnished 
to said executor by the clerk, also a like copy together with a copy of the 
will be furnished to the town clerk to be recorded in the land records of 
the town." * 

Voted, That John D. Seymour, Joshua Belden, Henry M. Kobbins, and 
Samuel N. Rockwell be a committee to take into consideration the subject 
of heating and repairing the meeting house, and report to the next meetino-i 

At a meeting held JNtarch 3, 1873. Voted, That Mrs. Marcus Stoddard, 
Miss M;iry l!(jbbins, Miss Agnes W. Belden, and Mrs. Charles Stoddard 
be added to the committee of gentlemen appointed at the last meetiu"- to 
estimate expenses and recommend alterations and improvements inside 
the church. 

At a meeting held Aug. 11, 1873. Voted, That the special committee 
be authorized to make repairs on the inside of the church to the amount 
of three thousand dollars, to be raised by subscription in such manner as 
they think best, also such other repairs as I'uture contributions may pro- 
vide for.f 

At a meeting held January 15, 1874. Voted, That the rent of all slips 
shall be due and payable on the first day of November, 1874. 

* Extract from the will of Prudence Hall. 

"I give and devise all of my real estate unto the Ecclesiastical Society of 
Newington afore-aid, to be and remain to the use and benefit of said society and 
their successors forever, as and for parsonage property, for the maintenance of 
the ministry of the gospel in the Congregational Church or society in said New- 
ington, this devise is however subject to the condition that said Ecclesiastical 
Society shall pay the expenses of my last sickness, my funeral expenses, the 
expenses of settling my estate, and shall erect a suitable monument to my 
memory." 

Alter making certain bequests of personal property to other parties, the will pro- 
vides as follows. '■ All the rest and residue of my estate both real and personal, 
I give and devise to said Ecclesiastical Society, to them and their successors for- 
ever." 

Executed October 22, 1870. 

Exhibited in Court Feb. 3, 1873. 

+ The committee made extensive repairs, modernizing tlie whole interior, put- 
ting in new windows, and two furnaces instead of the old stoves, making the 
church look quite attractive. 



188 

Voted, That all persons who purchasf slip? and may choose to pay the 
rent thereof before it becomes due, shall be allowed a deduction on such 
rent of one per cent, for each full month between the time of payment 
and the first day of November. 

At a society meeting held May 9, 1S74. Voted, That we concur with 
the church in extending a call to Mr. Greenwood to settle with us in the 
gospel ministry.* 

At a society meeting held May 30, 1874, Voted, That the Clerk have 
permission to print, at his own expense, and for his own use, such of the 
society records as he may desire. 



CHURCH RECORDS, 1857—1874. 
I. 

ADMISSIONS. 

1. During the ministry of Rev. Wm. P. Aikin. 



Mar. 1, 1857. Joseph Francis. 
" Mary Ann Francis, his wife. 
" Jane E., wife of Jacob Dix, 

letter from East Hartford. 
" Nancy Francis. 
Mar. 21. Adeline, wife of Pratt 
Francis, letter from West 
Avon. 
April 12. Margaret Taylor, let- 
ter from Wesifield, Mass. 
July 4. Electa Merrills. 

" Lucy Addison, wife of 

Woodford Kilbourn. 
" Reuben Canfield Osborn. 
" Olive Osborn, his wife. 
" John Deming Seymour. 
" Rufus Stoddard. 
" Al)by Coffin Aikin. 
Nov. 4. George Scranton Dem- 
ing. 
" Julia Richards, letter from 
N. York. 
May 12, 1859. Charles K. At- 
wood, letter from the church 
in Yale College. 
Aug. 21, 1860. Susan Curtis, 
wife of William P. Aikin, 
letter from Rutland, Vt. 

May, 1801. Mrs. Luce, wife 

of Joshua C. Luce, letter 
from East Hartford. 



July 1. Eliza A., wife of Joseph 
Camp, letter from Windsor 
Locks. 
July 22. Jerusha, wife of Josiah 
E. Atwood, letter from New 
Britain. 
Jan. 4, 1803. Rev. Frederick 
Gridley, letter from Yale 
College. 
" Mrs. Mary Gridley, his 
wife, letter from East Lyme. 
" Martha Lois Butler. 
May. Mrs. Charlotte Soper, let- 
ter from Poquonnock. 
Nov. 4. Henry Butler. 

" Mary Elizabeth Belden. 
Jan. 3, 1864. Agnes Whittlesey 

Belden. 
July 3. Mrs. Sarah C. W., wife 
of Robert Joyner, letter from 
Egremont, Mass. 

7, 1865. Elias Merwiu 
Steele. 
" Ella Harriet Dillings. 
" Sarah Louisa Wiers. 
" Mrs. Maria Anna Bacon. 
" Jane Electa Whittlesey. 
" Cornelia Hale Belden. 
" Mary Cornelia Francis. 
July 2. Mary Ellen Davis. 
" Elisha iiurrit Blinn. 



Ml 



»y 



*Mr. Greenwood declined. The society offered him a salary of $1,000, and 
the use of the parsonage. 



189 



July 2. Harriet Lavinia Blinii. 
" Mrs. Mary Jane Churchill. 
" Ellen Agnes Merrills. 
" Charles Levi Willard. 
" Joshua Beldeii. 
" Julia Arabella Robbins. 
" David Lowrey Robbins. 
" Alexander McLean, letter 
from Bloomfleld. 
Dec. 3L Mrs. Anna, wife of 
Seth Purrinton, letter from 
Colerain, Mass. 
Jan. 21, 1866. Mrs. Hepsebah 



Stoddard, letter from Weth- 
ersfield, 111. 

July. Mary, wife of Shidiai-1 
Whaples, letter from Day- 
ville, Conn. 
" Edward L. Deniing. 
" Eliza J. Deming, his wife. 

April 14, 1867. Mrs. Martha, 
wife of Hudson N. Stoddard, 
letter from West Hartford, 

May 5. Luella Dow. 

July 12. Charlotte, wife of John 
S. Rowley, letter from Hart- 
ford. 



2. After Mr. Aikin resigned. 

Mar. 22, 1868. Mrs. E. E. W. Camp, wife of L. W. Camp, letter 
from Berlin, 2d. 



3. During the ministry of Riiv. Sandford S. Martyn. 



May 3, 1868. Blinn Chester 
Griswold. 

" Mary Ann Griswold. 

'' Lucy Emiline Whaples. 

" Agnes Elizabeth Whaples. 

" Sarah Hanmer Boardman. 

" Samuel Hart Kilbourn. 

" Frances Louisa Camp. 

" Henry William Blinn. 

" Roger Welles. 

" Thomas Robbins Atwood. 

" .Tohn R. Bowen. 

" Isabella Bowen. 

" James Reed. 

" Erastus Kilbourn, jr. 

" Sarah Adalette Dillings. 

" Clarence Henry Rockwell. 

" Lewis Stephen Hubbard. 

" Martha Elizabeth Davis. 

" Ellen Amanda Deming. 

" Julia Belden. 

" James Blinn Griswold. 

" Lucy Lowrey Welles. 

" Ellen Maria Francis. 

" George Newton Downs. 

Sept. 6. Pratt Francis. 

" Flora Francis. 



Sept. 6. Katie M. Deming, d. of 
Dea. Levi S. Deming. 

" Mrs. Volilia C. Goodrich. 

" Elizabeth L. Joiner. 

" Abby Osborn. 

" Lucy M. Kobbins, d. of Mrs. 
Lowrey Robbins. 

" John S. Rowley. 

" George H. Rowley and Ed- 
ward R. Rowley, sons of 
J. S. R. 

" Abby F. Richards. 

" IMrs. iMarilla R. Webster. 

" Mary Seymour, d. of John 
D. Seymour. 

" William G. Wells, Mary 
Wells, and Cornelia Augu^ta 
Wells, children of William 
Wt-lls. 

" Edward Wetherell. 

» George E. Whaples. 
Sept. 13. Mrs. Sarah E. Apple- 
bee, letter from M. E. Church 
in Bristol. 
Jan. 3. 1869. Ellis Jones. 

" Mrs. Martha Whaples, wife 
of Henry Whaples. 



190 

4. During the, preaching of Dr. R. G. Vermilte. 

July 2, 1871. Fanny Augusta I " Frances Harriet Kirkham. 

Welles. " Lillie Frances McLean. 

" Jlary Robbing Welles. " Heman Charles Wbiltlesey. 
" Emily Welles Stoddard. 



1. During the ministrij o/" Rev. Wm. P. Aikin. 

Mar. 1, 18-57. Joseph J. Francis, and Mary Ann, his wife. 
Mar. 29. Mary Dayton, d. of George and Mary Davis. 
" 29. Mary Robbitis, d. of Edwin and Lucy L. VVelles. 
" 29. Catharine Maria, d. of Levi S. and CaroHne S. Deraing. 
April 26. Emily Welles, d. of Rufus and Sarah Stoddard. 
May. Nancy Francis, adult. 

July 19. Alice Corneha, d. of Jedidiah and Nancy Deming. 

" ] 9. Ileinan Charles, s. of Henian and Eunice Wliittlesey. 
Feb. 7, 1858. Ciiarles Jedidiali, s. of William and Cornelia Welles. 
April 25. Alfred Osborn, s. of — — ■ Patchett. 
May 30. Walter Baldwin, s. of Jolm D. and Abb}' Seymour. 
July 1. Alice Robbins, d. of Nelson and Sarah Woodruff. 
" 4. Abby Coffin Aiiiin, and John Deming Seymour, adulls. 
" 4. Abigail Barber O.-born, and Charlotte Gillett Osborn, 
children of Reuben G. and Olive Osborn. 
Nov. 7. Laura Louisa, d. of Benjamin Benstead. 

" 21. Charles Edwin, s. of Edwin and Lucy Welles. 
June 19, 1859. Edwin Edgertou, s. of William P. and Susan C. 

Aikin. 
Aug. 6. Henry Laurens, s. of Henry L. and Julia A. Kellogg. 
Dec. 22. Georgeanua, d. of Heman A. and Eunice Whittlesey. 

" 25. Mary Maria, d. of Patchett. 

April 16, 1860. Fanny Lillie, d. of Benjamin and Eliza Benstead. 
Sept. 23. William, s. of John D. and Abby Seymour. 

" 30. Welles, s. of Coleman E. and Electa S. Wheeler. 

L861. Henry Holmes, s. of Henry and F'anny Lumm. 
Martin, s. of Roger and Mercy D. Welles. 
Frances Harriet, d. of John S. and Harriet P. Kirkham. 
Kate Mary, d. of Josiah E. and Jerusha Atwond. 
Susan Curtis, d. of William P. and Susan C. Aikin. 
Frank Rufus, s. of Rufus and Saraii Stoddard. 
Eliza Webster, d. of Lemuel W. and Eliza Camp. 

. A child of Patchett. 

Mary Crowell, d. of Roger and I\[ercy D. Welles. 
George Dayton, s. of George and Mary A. Davis. 
Thomas Atwood, s. of John S. and Harriet Kirkham. 
Julia Welles, d. of John I), and Abbj' Seymour. 



Jan. 


2, 1 


Feb. 


10. 


July 


21. 
21. 


Aug. 


18. 


Sept. 
Oct. 


25. 
31. 




1862. 


May, 
July 
Sept. 


4. 
3. 
4. 


" 


4. 



IDl 

Nov. 26. Lillie, d. of Benjamin and Eliza Benstead. 

1863. Martha Lois Butler, adult. 

June 21. Mary Elizabeth, d. of Henry and Fanny Lumm. 

" 21. Koger Welles, s. of Roger and Mei'cy l3. Welles. 
Nov. 1. Henrv Curiis Butler, adult. 

Oet. 30, 18(34. "Alice Louisa, d. of William P. and Susan C. Aikin. 
May 1865. Elias Merwin Steele, Sarah Louisa Wiers, Mary Cor- 
nelia Francis, and Maria Ann Bacon, adulis. 
June 4. George Sheldon, s. of Reuben C. and Olive Osborn. 

" 4. Sarah Aikin, d. of Roger and Mercy D. Welles. 
Sept. 10. John Henry, .s. of John S. and Harriet Kirkham. 
April 1, 1866. Prudence Elizabeth and Levi Burritt, children of 
Burritt and Hannah Blinn. 

" 1. Mary Rebecca, d. of widow Mary Churchill. 
June 28. George Wolcott, s. of John D. and Abby SejMnour. 
Aug. 5. AVilliam Pope, s. of William P. and Susan 0. Aikin. 
Nov. 1. Isabel EUis, d. of Josiah Elbert and Jerusha Atwood. 

" 1. Mary Atwood, d. of Jolin S. and Harriet Kiikham. 
Jan. 4, 1867. Catharine and Laura, children of Lemuel W. and 

Eliza Camp. 
Mar. 10. Edwin 'Stanley, s. of Roger and Mercy D. Welles. 
May 5. Arthur Winthrop, s. of Dea. Rufus and Sarah Stoddard. 
July 7. James Levi, s. of Edward and Eliza I. Deming. 

2. After Mr. Aikin left. 
Jan. 4, 1868. Charles Levi, s. of Alex. D. and Mary J. McLean. 

3. During the ministry of Rev. Sandford S. Marttn. 

May 3, 1868. James Blinn Griswold, adult. 

" 3. Ellen Maria Francis, " 

" 3. George Newton Downs, " " 

'' 3. Blinn Chester Griswold, " 

" 3. Mary Ann Griswold, '• 

" 3. Agnes Elizabeth Whaples, " 

" 3. Sarah Hanmer Boardman, " 

" 3. Frances Louisa Camp, " 

" 3. Henry William Blinn, " 

July 6. Daughter of Blinn C. Griswold, and Mary Aim, his wife. 

Sept. 6. Pratt Francis, Flora Francis, and John S. Rowley, adults. 

" 6. George H. Rowley and Edward R. Rowley, sons of 
J. S. Rowley. 

" 6. Abby F. Richards, adult. 

" 6. Mrs. Marilla R. Webster. 

" 6. Edward Wetherell, immersed. 

" 6. George Whaples, "• 

Jan. 3, 1869. Ellis Jones. 

" 3. Martha, wife of Henry Whaples. 

July 3. Elbert Webster, s. of Henry Whaples. 



192 

4. During the preaching of Dr. R. G. Vermilye. 

July 2, 1871. Lillie Frances McLean, on profe-sion of faith. 
iMar. 26. Lemuel Aikin, s. of Roger and Mercy D. Welles. 

Child of Lemuel W. Camp. 
July, 1873. Alice Mary, d. of Franklin C. Latimer. 

•'. After Dr. Vermilye left. 
July 5, 1874. Frank Clarence, s. of Clarence H. Rockwell. 



III. 

MARRIAGES. 

1. During the ministry of Rev. William P. Aikin. 

March 9, 1857. William W. Clark and Mary I. Stoddard. 
" 22. John Dpmint; and Mary Blake, both of Wethersfield. 
" 2.5. Henry W. Blinn, of Wethersfield and Harriet Redtield, 
of Killingsworth. 

John E. Whittlesey, Morris, 111., and Lydia F. Camp, of 
Wethersfield. 

May 5. .Ste|)hen B. Churchill and E. Amelia Blinn, both of 
Wethersfield. 

March 23, 18.58. Samuel J. M. Kellogg and Harriet M. Rogers, of 
New London. 

April 13. Coleman E. Wheeler of Kansas City, Mo., and Electa 
S. Welles of Wetliersfield. 

Edwin Williamson, of Broad Brook, N. Y., and Harriet 
Storer of West Hartford. 

May 3, 1859. Caleb J. Hanmer and Ellen M. Dix, both of 
Wethersfield. 

Nov. 23. Oliver Dart, Jr., ef South Windsor, and Emily Gris- 
wold. 

Dec. 1. John S. Kirkham and Harriet P. At wood, both of 
Wethersfield. 

March 13, 18G0. John D. Griswold and Enieline Kilbourn. 

Oct. 3. Albert N. Hathaway, Poquonuock, and Emma S. Rob- 
bins. 

Dec. 20. Edward M. Bailey and Harriet Treat (English). 

April 10.1861. Levi Churchill and Mary L Blinn, both of Weth- 
ersfield. 

Aug. 21. Henry D. Evans, Avon, and Mary A. Richards, of Weth- 
ersfield. 

Sept. 13. Frederic Jenks, Hartford, and Julia A. Richards, of 
Wethersfield. 
" 30. Charles Parsons, New Britain, and Mary Rought, of 
Wethersfield. 

April 29, 1863. Walter F. Brown and Elizabeth Seymour, both of 
Wethersfield. 

June IS. Charles S. Francis and Ellen Boyington, both of Weth- 
ersfield. 



193 

Aug. 12. Abraham Halsey, Bridgehampton, L. I., and Elizabeth 

I. Stowe, of West Hartford. 
Aug. 18; 1864. Unui P. Blinn and Sarah Gilbert, both of Weth- 

ersfield. 
Oct. 25,1865. Walter B. Dorman and Abby I. Rockwell. 
Feb. 6, 1866. Henry L. Kellogg and Laura K. Camp, both of 

Wetliersfiekl. 
Feb. 6. Cliarles H. Dillings and Eliza K. Richards, both of Weth- 

ersfield. 
May 16. Alexander McLean and Wid. Mary L Churchill, both of 

Wethersfield. 
May 18. Frederic C. Penfield and Mary E. Hale, both of New 

Britain. 
Oct. 3. Charles L. Willard and Julia Robbins. 
Dec. 5. Frauklin C. Latimer and ]\Iary N. Seymour. 
Jan. 4, 1867. George H. Grey and Sarah L Wliaples. 
April 18. Jolin H. Boardman, New Britain, and Sarah Dix. 

2. During the Ministry of Ret. S. S. Maktyn. 
Aug. 8, 1868. Joseph Whaples and Miss Keyes, both of New- 

ington. 
Oct. 21. George E. Gaylord, of Hadley, Mass., and Sarah L. 

Weir, of Newington. 
Dec. William Raynsford and Anna Smith, both of New 

Britain. 
" 31. George S. Deming and Jane E. Whittlesey. 

3. M<xrriages taken from Town Registrar of Newington. 
July 27, 1871. Carmi Shurtliff, of Southwick, Mass., and Anne 

P. Hatch, of Newington. 
Dec. 25. William B. SlcKiuney, of Richford, Vt., and Emma L. 

Joyner, of Newington. 
June 13, 1872. Thomas Tracy, of New Britain, and Sophia L. 

Kirkham, of Newington. 
Sept. 16. William N. Sprague and Sarah I. Newton, both of Rock- 

viUe, Ct. 
March 4, 1873. Marshall L. Wright, of Rocky Hill, and Mary E. 

Davis, of Newington. 
Feb. 20. Moses S. Ralph, of Berlin, and Jane M. Deming, of 

Newington. 
May 27, ls74. John P. Ball, of Middletown, and Hattie C. Smith, 

ot Northtield. 



IV. 



1. During the ministry of Rev. W. P. Aikin. 
March 19, 1857. Lucy Camp, wife of Edwin Gaylord, aged 67. 
June 20. Susanna, wife of Elisha Whaples, aged 80. 
25 



194 

July 0. Cliislieu Churcliill. aged 78. 

Sept. 21. Herbert, son of Geoige A. and Jane S. Diekson, aged 2. 

Oct. 5. E:ii>ha Wliaples. aged 80. 

" 13. David, son of Seth ;uifl Hetsey Purrinlon, aged 19. 
Dec. 21. Betsey, wife of Seth Piirrinton, aged 45. 
Jan. 27, 1858. Mathew, son of Benj. and Eliza Benstead, aged 1. 
March 6. William, son of Henry and Fanny Lnin, aged 7. 
April 29. Eoger Welles, son of John D. and Abby Seymour, 

aged 2. 
Aug. 20. Emiline, wife of David Root, aged 54. 

" 29. Erastus Francis, aged 5G. 
Sept. 22. Aaron Davis, aged 78. 
Oct. 10. Eliza, widow of James B. Griswold, aged 37. 

" 23. Frank, son of Newman and Caroline Huntley, aged 1. 

" 29. Eoswell Dix, agnd 51. 
Jan. 13,1859. William Blinn, aged 61. 

April. Martha Jane, daughler of William and Margaret Hub- 

bard, aged 1. 
July 2. John Deniing, aged 35. 
Oct. 14. Mary, daughler of Samuel Camp, aged 9. 
Kov. 18. Roger Welles, Esq., aged fi9. 

" '27. Manha Urania, daughter of John C. Dow, aged 23. 
Jan. 18. 1800. Bridget, wife of John Flaherty. 
March 2. Eleanor, daughter of Newman and Caioline Hinitley, 
aged 5. 

" 1 6. Thomas Francis, aged 32. 
April 22. Levi, son of William Powers, aged 16. 

•' 2H. Levi Adams, aged 37. 
Mav 6. William Martin, son of AVilliam Powers, aged 7. 
June. Riley, son of Wid. Electa Merrills, aged 10. 

July. Wife of William M. Powers. 

" 25. Rebecca Hunn, aged 78. 

" 27. Warren B. Crane, aged 28. 
Aug. 31. Flavel, son of Robert and Sarah Joyner, aged 7. 
Sept. 18. Abigail, wife of Hervey Francis, aged 72. 

" 25. Sarah Gaylord, wife of Dea. Origen Wells, aged 77. 

" 29. Hart, son of John G. and Caroline Stoddard, aged 3 
weeks. 
Oct. 15. Mary Tobey, wife of Robert Francis, aged fi4. 
Dec. 25. Kate, daughter of John and Kate Ramsey, aged 1. 
Jan. 2, 18()l. Hervey Francis, aged 70. 

" 3. Nathan Hale, aged 76. 

" fi. Charles, son of William Hubbard, aged 20. 

" 8. The aged widow of Oliver Richards, aged 87. 
Vth. ti. Jlary, daughter of the late Nelson and Harriet Dil- 

lings, aged H. 
March 10. Celinda, daughter of ■ Wiers, aged 25. 

" 15. Edward, son of Seth and Betsey Purrinton, aged 2-). 
July. The wile of Mr. Luther, aged 70. 



195 

April 20. Died at Pittsfield. Mass., Rev. Joab Brace, D. D., senior 
pastor of the cluirch in this place. He was born in the year 
1781, graduated at Yale College in 1804, and was ordained col- 
league pastor with the Rev. Joshua Belden over the church of 
Christ in Newington, Jan. 14, 1805, and continued to discharge 
the active duties of the ministry for a period of fifty years, aged 80. 
Nov. 4. George T. Davis, aged 31. 

" 18. Jane, wife of Steele, aged 29. 

" 22. Arden Whaples, aged 72. 
Dec. 6. Elizabeth Cogswell, aged 58. 
" 15. Child of John and Margaret Corrigan, aged 2. 
" 20. Zaccheus Brown, aged 80. 
" 31. Chester Webster, aged 36. 
Jan. 22, 1802. Edwin Gaylord, aged 75. 
March 5. Caroline Elizabeth, daughter of Levi S. and Caroline 

Deming, aged 10. 
April 21. Henry Morris, only child of Henry and Hannah M. Luce, 

aged 17. 
May 4. Lillie, daugliter of George and Ellen Tucker, aged 3^. 

" 19. Mary Ann, wife of Joseph Francis, aged 28. 
Aug. 5. The aged Jerusha Seymour, she was the last surviving 
member of the church, admitted to its communion by Mr. 
Belden, aged 92/j. 
" 19. Lowrey Robbing, aged 69. 

Oct. 13. Mrs. Hannah, wife of >Stone, aged 51. 

Dec. 16. Samuel Dow, aged 86. 
" 23. vSamuel Smith, found dead in a barn, aged 52. 
" 26. Emma, daughter of Blinn Griswold. 
Feb. 23. 1863. Abigail, widow of David Hunn, aged 75. 
March 12. Mary, widow of John Deming, aged 23. 

" 23. Lauretta, daughter of Erastus Kilbourn, aged 33. 
April 21. Near Washington, D. C, Eugene, son of Daniel H. and 
Sarah M. Willand, and a private in Company B, 22d Reg. 
Conn. Vol., aged 20. 
July. Samuel Steele, son of Samuel Steele, aged 1. 

" Child of Edward Bailey, aged 1. 

" Child of Jared Starr, 3 months. 

Sept. 8. Josiah At wood, Esq., aged 69. 

" Two children of O'Brien. 

Nov. 14. Mary Shepherd, aged 80. f 

Some time in August died an infant child of Flaherty, 

and also one of O'Sullivan. 
Feb. 10, 1864. Julia, wife of Henry L. Kellogg, aged 45. 
" 16. Charles, son of John and Mary Deming, aged 4. 
Priscilla, wife of Frank Ri(diards, aged 54. 
Infant of Irisli parents, at R. Francis', aged 1 mo. 
Charlotte Churchill, aged 68. 
Silvester Warner, aged 50. 
Dwight Dix, aged 18. 
Charlotte Soper, aged 75. 



March 


1. 


" 


7. 


April 


7. 


May 


28. 


Aug. 


17. 


Sept. 


25. 



196 

Feb. 28, 1865. Seth, son of Seth and Betsey Piirrinton, aged 22. 

April 24. Mary, wife of Gen. Jlartiu Kellogg, aged 76. 

" 24. Frank, son of Blinn Griswold, aged 1^. 

May 3. Augusta, wife of Samuel Kilbourn, aged 22. 

July 18. Augustine, son of Samuel and Augusta Kilbourn, aged 
6 months. 

« 20. Child of J. S. Rowley, aged 1. 

« 23. Seth Purriuton, aged 59. 

Sept. 6. Hiram London, aged 60. 

Oct. 7. Sophronia Tucker, aged 67. 

Nov. 27. Widow of Chislieu Churchill, aged 77. 

Dec. 5. Marcus W. Stoddard, aged 51. 

May 7, 1866. Mercy Churchill, aged 73. 

" 8. Child of Irwin, (Irish) aged 2 mo. 

Aug. Child of John and Kate Ramsey, aged 1. 

" Child of Henry Carter, aged 3 mo. 

Oct. 16. Peter Burns, aged 62. 

Nov. 30. Infant child of Jared Starr, aged 2 mo. 

Dec. 13. Mary E. wife of Rev. Frederic Gridley, aged 66. 
March 4, 1867. Emily, wife of Dea. Jeremiah Seymour, aged 79. 

" 12. Ettie, daughter of Henry C. and Abby Cadwell, aged 2. 
April 1. Dea. Jeremiah Seymour, aged 80. 

" 1. Marshall, son of Rufus and Sarah Stoddard, aged 12. 

May 24. Elliott W. Doming, son of Elizur Deming, aged 17. 
Aug. 9. Luella, daughter of John C. Dow, aged 14. 

2. After Mr. Aikin's resignation. 

March 20, 1868. Abner Simons, aged 83. 

Maiy, widow of Allen Stoddard, aged 78. 
Daniel Willard, aged 84. 

3. During Mr. Martyn's ministry. 

18G8. Dea. Jedediah Deming, aged 77. 
Prudence K., widow of Josiah Atwood, aged 77. 
William Kirkham, aged 80. 
Daughter of Lemuel W. Camp, aged 17 mo. 
Freddie, son of John S. Rowiey, aged 10. 
Gen. Martin Kellogg, aged 87. 
Dea. Origen \\(ells, aged 85. 

Chapman, aged 85. 

Henry Whaples. 
Mrs. Henry Blinn. 
Capt. Gilbert, aged 70. 
1870. Amon Richards, aged 70. 
" 30. Dea. Rufus Stoddard, aged 47. 

4. During the ■preaching of Dr. R. C-i. Vermilte. 

July 26. 1870. Sabbath, funeral of , child of Chas. L. 

Willard. 



April 


4. 


" 


7. 


May 


4, ] 
24. 


Oct. 


6. 


Sept. 
July 
Nov. 


13. 

22. 
23. 


Dec. 


23. 




1869. 


Aug. 
Dec. 




Jan. 





197 



Sept. 
Nov. 



8. Wednesday, funeral of the wife of Clias. Kellogg. 

Saturday, funeral of Sarah Aikiii, daughter [of Roger 



Welles, aged 6. 

Dec. 31. Carrie Osborn, daughter of R. C. Osborn, aged 14. 
Jan. ] G, 1872. Mary Kilbourn, wife of Oliver Richards, aged 66. 
May 16. E. E. Camp, wife of Lemuel W. Camp. 
Sept. 12. Milton, infant child of . Dix, aged 5 weeks. 

5. Deaths taken from the Toion Registrar. 

1871. Homer Camp, aged 74. 

1872. Mary K. Richards, aged 65. 
Lydia D. Francis, aged 77. 
Elbert Blinn, son of Porter Blinn, aged li mo. 
Eliza E. W. Camp, wife of Lemuel W. Camp, aged 40. 
Milton Dix, son of Jacob Dix, aged 12 days. 
Pjlecta E. Merrills, aged 45. 
Frances M. D. McLean, aged 46. 
Flavel Weirs, aged 70. 
William L. Deraing, son of Selden Deming, aged 23. 

1873. George Lovely, aged 27. 

Prudence Hall, aged 87. 

Harriet Adams, aged 53. 

Grace Camp, dau. of L. W. Camp, aged 11 mo. 

Katie A. Churchill, aged 26. 

Henry Kilbourn, aged 73. 

Mary Muloahey, aged 3. 

Lizzie Finnegau, aged 2. 

Alice Camp, dau. of L. W. Camp, aged 3. 

Samuel Richards, aged 73. 

Willie Hoye, aged 2 mo. 

Oliver Warner, aged 37. 

George Harlow, aged 3. 

Edward Harlow, aged 4. 

Truman Weirs, aged 57. 
1873. Wyllys Hopkins, aged 47. 

Jolm Sweeney, tramp, aged 35. 

Minnie McGrath, aged 3. 

Ralph Childs, aged 52. 

Babie Childs, aged 7 mo. 
1874. William French, aged 2. 
Mrs. Ellen Clayton, aged 57. 
Mrs. Hudson H. Stoddard, aged 42. 
Mrs. Clarence H. Rockwell, aged 26. 
Robert Rockwell, aged 78. 
John Squires, aged 74. 
Caroline A. Camp, aged 39, 

Edmund A. G. Nash, aged 61. l 

Mrs. Susanna McLean, aged 86. 



Oct. 9, 
Jan. 1 6, 
March 7. 
April 10. 
May 14. 
Sept. 13. 
Oct. 25. 
" 27- 
Nov. 27. 
Dec. 20. 
Jan. 7, 
" 31. 
Feb. 11. 
March 26. 
April 6. 

18. 

" 25. 

May 2. 

June 15. 

" 25. 

July 10. 

* 28. 

10. 

12. 

14. 

27, 



Aug. 



Aug. 

Sept. 

Oct. 

Nov. 

Dec. 

Jan. 



3. 

30. 

12. 

23, 

'• 17. 

« 25. 

Feb. 10. 

April 2. 

" 19. 

May 21. 

July 4. 

July 14. 



198 



CHURCH VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS. 

Feb. 28, 1857. Voted, That letters recommending members of other 
churches to our care and fellowship, be twice read, — the first, two weeks 
belbre the vote be taken upon the question of their admission. 

June 7, 18.57. Brethren Roger Welles, Josiah Atwood, and Erastus 
Latimer were chosen by ballot church committee for the ensuing year. 
Levi S. Deming, Superintendent of Sabbath SchooL 

Jan. 1, 1858. The church committee chosen last year were re-elected 
for another year. It was voted that the afternoon of the second Sabbath 
in each month be devoted to the catechetical instruction of the children. 

Sept. 3, 1858. Brethren Chas. K. Atwood, Daniel H. Willard, and 
Rufus Stoddard were appointed a committee to consider the expediency 
of changing the book of hymns now in use, and report at the next lecture. 
Levi S. Deming and Homer Camp to report upon the propriety of prepar- 
ing and publishing a catalogue of the members of the church. 

Dec. 30, 1858. Committee on Hymn Book reported in favor of a 
change, and recommended the collection prepared by direction of the 
General Association of Connecticut. Adopted. 

The committee on a catalogue reported in favor of preparing one, and 
the pastor to do it. Adopted. 

Dec, 1859. Brethren Marcus W. Stoddard, Homer Camp, and Erastus 
Latimer were chosen church committee for the year ensuing. 

June 10, 18G0. The junior pastor of the church having resigned his 
pastoral care, a meeting of the church was held on this Monday evening 
to act upon his request. 

Dea. Jedidiah Deming was chosen Moderator, John D. Seymour, Clerk. 

Prayer having been offered by the moderator, a resolution requesting 
each individual present to e.\press his opinion was olTered and adopted. 

The following preamble and resolutions were then presented. 
Whereas the Rev. William P. Aikin, the junior pastor of this church, 

has requested a dissolution of the pastoral relation which subsists 

between himself and this people — 

Resolved, 1st, He has in our view acted the part of a faithful minister 
of the Lord Jesus Christ, as we hope and trust to the salvation of many 
souls, which shall be seals of his ministry and crowns of his rejoicing in 
the day of the Lord Jesus. 

Resolved, 2d, That we believe he has labored to the highest satisfaction 
and acceptance of this people, which has manifested itself in the peace 
and harmony which has at all times prevailed. 

Resolved, 3d, That we believe a dissolution of the relation which now 
subsists between us, would be disastrous to the prosperity of this church, 
and, we fear, would result in this people being scattered as sheep without 
a shephird. 

Resolved, 4th, That be be invited to reconsider and withdraw his re- 
quest, pledging to him our cordial co-operation and support. 

Resolved, 5th, That a committee of three be appointed to confer with 
Mr. Aikin, and to present the foregoing resolutions. All of which were 
unanimously passed. 

P>astus Latimer, Pieman A. Whittlesey, and Marcus W. Stoddard were 
appointed said committee. 

Attest, John D. Seymour, Clerk. 



199 

Dec. 1860. The church committee of last year were re-electeJ. 

Dec. 1861. M. W. Stoddard, Homer Camp, and Levi S. Deming were 
chosen church committee. 

Oct. 19, 1862. A letter having been received inviting this church to 
meet in consociation, — the meetings having been long discontinued — the 
expediency of continuing a connection was discussed, and finally laid over 
for consideration at the next meeting of the cliurch on lecture day. 

Oct. 30, 1862. The subject discussed at the last meeting was again 
taken up. After due delibei-ation it was voted unanimously to withdraw 
from that body. 

Jan. 1, 1863. Marcus W. Stoddard, Levi S. Deming, and Homer Camp 
were again chosen church committee for the coming year. 

Sept. 7, 1863. Brother Charles K. Atwood having resigned the office 
of Superintendent, resolutions thanking him for the fidelity and ability 
with which he had discharged its duties were unanimously passed, and 
Joseph J. Francis was chosen to take his place, Heman A. ^V'hittlesey, 
assistant, and George S. Deming, secretary. 

Jan. 2, 1864. Levi S. Deming, Rufus Stoddard, and Erastus Latimer 
were chosen a committee of the church for the ensuing year. 

Dec. 1805. Kul'us Stoddard, Levi S. Deming, and Homer Camp were 
appointed church committee for the ensuing year. 

Jan. 3, 1866. Voted, To take a collection for objects of Christian 
benevolence as often as once in two months, the cases to be presented to 
be left to the discretion of the pastor. Levi S. Deming, Rufus Stoddai'd, 
and Homer Camp were again chosen committee of the chui-ch. 

Jan. 4, 1867. Levi S. Deming, Joseph J. Francis, and Homer Camp 
were appointed church committee for the coming year. Joseph J. Francis 
was chosen superintendent of the Sabbath School. 

Voled, To take collections once in two months the ensuing year. The 
American Board, Home Missionary Society, Bible and Tract Societies, 
the other two objects to be designated by the pastor and church commit- 
tee, the same persons may also bring other objects of benevolence before 
the church in the alternate months. 

May 3, 1867. Brethren Rufus Stoddard and Levi S. Deming were this 
day chosen to serve the church in the office of deacon, the former to fill 
the place made vacant by the death of Dea. Jeremiah Seymour. 

Nov. 1867. Charles K. Atwood appointed clerk. 

Jan. 4, 1868. Joseph J. Francis, Homer Camp, and Jedidiah Demino- 
were chosen church conmiittee for the year. Joseph J. Francis superin- 
tendent of the Sabbath School. 

Feb. 16, 1868. At a church meeting presided over by Rev. S. J. An- 
drews, Vdted, That we invite Mr. Sandford S. Martyn to be our pastor. 

Voted, That the society be informed of our action and requested to 
concur. 

March 22, 1868. Voted, That Dea. Rufus Stoddard and Dea. Levi 
S. Deming be a committee to act with the committee of the society in 
procuring the settlement of Mr. Martyn. 

Feb. 9 or 16, 1868. The following was presented to the church, and 
on motion of Dea. J. Deming, ordered on record. C. K. A. 

To the church of Christ in Neivington. 

The undersigned respectliilly represent, that though they have no vote 
in the church by reason of not being members thereof, they have a deep 
interest in tlie choice you shall make of a pastor. And though many of 
us are young in years, and all are young in the Christian life, ^^ c hope it 
will not be thought improper for us to say that, should your choice fall on 
Mr. S. S. Martyn, he would be not only acceptable to us, but the one we 
earnestly desire for our guide and teacher in spiritual things. 



200 

Roger Welles, James B. Griswold, S. H. Kilbouin, Olin L. Wetherell, 
Lewis S. Hubbard, Walter F. Brown, John 0. Merrills, Josiah J. Russell, 
B. C. Griswold, Walter B. Dorman, J. II. Boardman, .^111 Richards, N. 
Jacobs, John S. Rowley, Charles S. Francis, E. L. Wetherell, Alfred E. 
BoyinjTton. Erastus Kilbourn, Jr., George N. Downs, James Reed, C. H. 
Rockwell. VV. B. Wiur, George E. Whaples, T. F. Wier, A. H. Crittenden, 
Pr:itt Francis, Thomas R. Atwood. 

Mr. Martyn was ordained April 29th, 1868. The following persons 
were present. 

First church in New Haven, Rev. Leonard Bacon, D. D., pastor, 
Edward W. Bacon. First church in Pittsfield, Mass., Rev. John Todd, 
D. I)., pastor, William B. Cooley. West Hartford, Rev. M. N. Morris, 
pastor, Dea. Josiah W. Griswold. Southington, Rev. E. C. Jone.s, pastor, 
Walter S. Merrills. Asylum Hill, Hartlbrd, Rev. Joseph H. Twichell, 
pastor, R. P. Keep. First, New Britain, Charles Northend. New Britain, 
South, Rev. C. L. Goodell, pastor, Martin Brown. Berlin, Rev. L. H. 
Hallock, pastor, Leonard Hubbard. Wethersfield, Rev. A. C. Adams, 
pastor, Dea. George Stillman. Plantsville, Rev. W. R. Eastman, pastor, 
Henry D. Smith. Also, Rev. Samuel J. Andrews, Rev. C. B. McLean, 
Rev. Frederick Gridley, Rev. Seth C. Brace. 

Rev. L. li. Hallock was chosen scribe, and Rev. Dr. Leonard Bacon 
moderator. 

The several part's of the service were assigned and performed as fol- 
lows : 

Invocation and reading of scripture. Rev. L. H. Hallock. Introductory 
prayer. Rev. A. C. Adams. Sermon, Rev. Dr. Todd. Ordaining prayer. 
Rev. E. C. Jones. Charge to pastor. Rev. Dr. Bacon. Right hand of 
fellowship. Rev. J. II. Twichell. Address to people. Rev. C. L. Goodell. 
Sir. Martyn was ordained at this time by request of the church, that he 
might officiate as pastor at the next communion season, (first Sabbath in 
May,) when some desire to be received into the church by profession, he 
having informed the church and society that he could not be ready to 
perform the duties of a resident pastor, beibre June 1st. C. K. A. 

Oct. 18, 1868. A circular having been received by the pastor from 
Revs. E. B. Hillard, E. C. Jones, and L. H. Hallock, as "committee of 
arrangements," inviting the church to be present by pastor and delegate 
at the Annual Convention of the Congregational Churches of the south 
part of Hartford, to be holden at Westfield the 20th and 2Ist instants, the 
aim of said meeting, as set forlh by the circular mentioned and also in a 
letter from Mr. Hillard to the pastor, being " to realize a general confer- 
ence of the churches in their full membership," and it also being the 
intention of the meeting, as set forth in Mr. Hillanl's letter, to supersede 
the old name of " Hartford South Consociation," by that of " Conference," 
and this church being invited to union with this understanding : it was 
accordingly Voted, That the church unite witli the churches thus assem 
bled in forming said conference. Brother Roger Welles on motion being 
chosen delegale. (S. S. M.) 

Dec. 31, 1868. Voted, at close of preparatory lecture, that Roger 
Welles act as Superintendent in place of Brother Joseph J. Fi-ancis, whose 
term ex[)ires and who has handed in his resignation. Church committee 
for year following also elected as follows : Brethren C. K. Atwood, John D. 
Seymour, Jedidiah Deniing. 

Dec. 30, 1869. Voteil, at close of preparatory lecture, th.at the same 
church committee and superintendent appointed last year, serve this. 

Feb. 6, 1870. Mr. Jeilediah Deniing was appointed deacon in this 
church. 

March 6, 1870. Mr. C. K. Atwooil and Mr. H. A. Whittlesey were 



201 

appointed deacons in this church. The brethren named having accepted 
the office, the bo^ird of deacons now consists of Messrs. Jedidiah Deming, 
Charles K. Atwo .d, and Heinan A. Whittlesey. 

April 17, 1870. Sunday, Rev. S. S. Martyn read from the pulpit his 
letter of resignation as pastor to take effect April *29th. 

At a meeting of the church held Friday, April 22, 1870. Dea. Charles 
K. Atwood called the meeting to order. After prayer and reading of 
Scripture, on motion, Roger Welles was appointed Clerk, pro tern. 

The following resolution, after debate, was passed. 

" Whereas, Rev. Sandford S. Martyn has tendered to this church the 
resignation of his pastorate without indicating to us the reasons therefor. 
And whereas, during his ministry he has satisfied the expectations with 
which we called him to the work, by a faithful performance of a pastor's 
varied duties. 

Therefore, Voted, That we will unite with him in calling a council, but 
do not accept his resignation till further advised. 

Voted, That the standing church committee be instructed to call the 
council. 

Voted, That Charles K. Atwood be appointed a committee to inform the 
Ecclesiastical Society of the action of the church. 

Voted, That Roger Welles be appointed a committee to represent the 
church before the council. The meeting then adjourned. 

Attest, RoGKR Welles, Clerk, pro tern." 

The council was called and convened at the church, April 27, 1870, and 
after investigation voted to dissolve the pastoral relation e.xisting between 
Mr. Martyn and the church, from and after April 29th, 1870. 

May 1, 1870. Sunday, At a meeting of the church, Dea. Jedediah 
Deming called the meeting to order. 

Roger Welles was appointed Clei'k of the church in the absence of a 
pastor. Dea. Charles K. Atwood offered the following resolution, which 
after some discussion was passed, to wit : 

" The council to which was referred the resignation of our late pastor. 
Rev. Sandford S. Martyn, having advised the severance of his relation to 
us, we accept it, deeply regretting the loss we sustain in the removal of 
an able, faithful, and devoted minister, who had endeared himself to us 
by his sympathy, his kindness, and his evident interest in whatever per- 
tained to our welfare." 

Voted, That the monthly collections taken up at the communions be 
hereafter appropriated to the benefit of the Am. B. C. F. M. 

Voted, That John S. Kirkham be appointed Treasurer of the church. 
The meeting then adjourned. 

Attest, Roger Welles, Clerk of Church. 

July .3, 1870. On invitation of the Society's Committee, the Rev. R. 
G. Vermilye, professor in the Hartford Theological Seminary, became 
stated preacher in this church, and officiated at the communion this day, 
having supplied the pulpit from the 2d Sabbath in June, he occupied the 
parsonage, and continued his services until the annual meeting of the 
society in Novemher. 

Sept. 13, 1870. The annual Sabbath School convention of the 
'" union " of neighboring churches was held with this church to-day. 

Nov. 1870. By request of the society's committee Prof. Vermilye con- 
tinued to supply the pulpit, during the winter, residing in Hartford. 

Dec. 31, 1870. The annual church meeting was held this day, at the 
close of the preparatory lecture, Mr. J. J. Francis, Mr. J. D. Seymour, and 
Mr. J. S. Kirkham, were chosen by ballot to constitute, in connection 
with the three deacons, the church committee for the ensuing year. Mr. 

26 



202,. 

Roger Welles was re-elected as superintendent of the Sabbath School for 
the ensuing year. - 

The following is the report of the church for the year 1870, as pre- 
sented to the registrar of the general conference, viz., members, males, 60, 
females, 112, total 172, of whom are absent, 22; deaths, 2, dismissals 5 ; 
total loss 7; number in Sabbath School 160; number of families 85; 
amount of contributions $330.11. 

May 1, 1871. Rev. R. G. Vermilye resumed his residence at the par- 
sonage for six montlis, having continued to supply the pulpit during the 
past winter and spring. 

Jan. 6, 1872. The annual church meeting was held this day, at the 
close of the preparatory lecture, Mr. J. J. Francis, Mr. J. D. Seymour, and 
and Mr. J. S. Kirkham were chosen by ballot to constitute, in connection 
with the three deacons, the church committee for the ensuing year. Mr. 
Roger Welles was re-elected as superintendent of the Sabbath School for 
the ensuing year, and Mr. J. S. Kirkham was re-elected treasurer of the 
church funds. 

The following is the report of tlie church for the year 1871, as presented 
to the Registrar of the General Conference, viz., members, males, 57 ; 
females, 121 ; total, 178; absent 22; no death; dismissals, 5; added by pro- 
fession, C : baptized, adult, 1 ; infants, 2 ; number in Sabbath School, ICO; 
number of families, 85. Contributions $600. 

Jan. 4, 1873. The annual church meeting was held this day, at the 
close of the preparatory service, Mr. J. J. Francis, Mr. J. D. Seymour, 
and Mr J. S. Kirkham, were chosen church committee, Mr. J. S. Kirkham 
was elected Superintendent of the Sabbath School for the ensuing year,. 
Mr. Roger Welles having declined to serve any longer. 

The following is the report of the church for the year 1872, as sent to 
the Registrar of the General Conference, members, males, 58; females, 
113 ; total, 171 ; absent 22 ; no additions to the church during the year; 5 
members died, and one was dismissed; number in Sabbath School, 162; 
number of families, 8.5. Contributions $542.62. 

The pulpit was sujjplied during the year 1873, until the annual meeting 
of the society in November, by the Rev. R. G. Vermilye, either in person 
or by substitute, and the parsonage was occupied by him for three months 
after the first of July, during the latter part of the period Dr. Vermilye's 
health failed, so that he was unable to preach, but furnished supplies at 
the request of the society's committee. In the summer of this year the 
society resolved to make extensive repairs and improvements in their 
churcb building, service was omitted the first two Sabbaths in Septem- 
ber, and was then resumed in tlie new town hall, and continued there 
until the re-opening of the church. 

Nov. 2, 1873. On the first Sabbath in November the usual communion 
service was held in the town hall. Dr. Vermilye officiated, and then ceased 
his services for the church and society. 

May 3, 1874. At a meeting of the church held Sunday, May 3, 1874. 
Voted, That we hereby extend a call to Rev. William Greenwood to 
settle as pastor of this church and of the Ecclesiastical Society connected 
therewith. 

Voted, That Roger Welles be appointed a comnuttce to inform the 
Ecclesiastical Society of our action, and to invite their concun-i-nce. 

May 10, 1874. Voted, That Dca. Charles K. Atwood, Dea. Heman A. 
Whittlesey, and Joseph J. Francis be a committee to communicate to 
Rev. William Greenwood the action of this church in giving him a call to 
settle with us in the work of the ministry, and to invite his acceptance of 
the same. 

R. Wellks, Clerk. 



203 



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